Are you sure that when you bring God your problem, he truly hears you? This sermon takes us deep into the songs of ascents (Psalms 120 and 121), sung by people returning to Jerusalem after years of dispersion. The psalmist never pretends that life with God is easy; he admits that in a world where lying pays off, the faithful feel crushed. Listen and find out why reminding one another of God’s promises can be the only anchor when the ground gives way beneath you.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- Psalms 120 and 121 are songs of ascents, sung by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. What might they have meant to Jews living in dispersion who had to rebuild their identity?
- In Psalm 120 the writer says: "In my distress I called to the Lord, and He answered me." According to the sermon, what does it mean that God hears someone, and where does the psalmist's confidence come from?
- The psalmist does not deny that life with God in a world where lies pay off can feel crushing. Why shouldn't "look on the bright side" be our first response to someone's pain?
- The speaker stressed that faith is not a philosophical trick for coping, but trust in concrete promises. What difference does that make in how you face the injustice around you?
- In Psalm 121 the Lord is a keeper who neither slumbers nor sleeps. Which images in this psalm speak to you most in your current season of life, and why?
- The pilgrims sang together and reminded one another of God's faithfulness. How can you remind someone in your group, or yourself, of a specific promise of God in a hard situation this week?
