READ: Psalms 120-125
In Psalm 120 we find a prayer for a pure tongue. The Psalmist asks the
Lord to guard him from lying and deceitfulness. Lying is condemned in the ninth
commandment. Yet, among all the commandments, it is rarely brought up in
conversation like murder or adultery or taking the Lord’s name in vain. We hate
being lied to. It is degrading and humiliating to be caught lying. Yet purity
of speech is one of the most difficult things to attain. The Psalmist includes
deceitfulness in this prayer as well. It’s not just about the actual words
said, but also the tone, and the very careful choice of words used and omitted
that give the listener a very different impression than what was said. The kind
of lying and deceit the Psalmist is talking about, extends to the whole of
communication. He is asking the Lord for words, and tone, and communication
ability that is pure and holy. He is aware his tongue can be used as a weapon
and chooses to hand over its power to God in submission.
Psalm 121 describes God as our protector. He is our help. But how
exactly does God help us? We are reminded of God’s position as Sovereign
Creator. He made the heavens and the earth, therefore, there is nothing He
doesn’t have power over which He can use for our defense. Wow, the Creator who
made the heavens and earth as our defender? Incredible! And He’s always on
duty. He never sleeps, He never takes His eyes off us. He covers us and makes
us invisible to our enemies, even the sun and moon can’t see us when God is our
Protector.
In Psalm 122:6 we are told to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Several
times in the Bible we are told to pray for Israel, her people, or Jerusalem.
The people of Israel are God’s chosen people, even still. When we are
instructed to pray for Jerusalem, we can be sure we are praying God’s will. As
a matter of fact, this directive comes with a blessing, that those who pray for
Jerusalem will find themselves cared for and secure. Gen 12:3 lets us know God
will bless those who bless the nation of Israel and whoever curses them, He
will curse. This aligns perfectly with this directive in Psalm 122. After we’ve
been told to pray, the Psalmist speaks to us about what to pray for:
·
Peace within their boundaries;
·
Prosperity for those who live there;
·
Security for their government;
·
For safe and peaceful relationships; and
·
For the safety (and today the restoration) of God’s
holy temple in Jerusalem.
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1.
Ask the Lord to speak to you about anything you
have said or communicated in the last little while that was not pleasing to
Him, or that was deceitful in any way. Confess your sin, then ask Him to put a
guard on your lips and tongue so you will be aware of your tendency to dishonor
Him before the words and tones slip out.
2.
Reflect on the image of God as your protector. How
does this make you feel? Considering this total and effective protection, how
does this change how you feel about enduring difficult days ahead, perhaps even
persecution? Spend time thanking the Lord for His faithful protection, and ask Him
to show you how to walk confidently in that truth.
3.
Spend some time praying for Israel today. Use the
prayer points derived from the passage. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in
additional prayer of blessing for them.
