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| Psalm 120:1, NRSV |
Verse of the Day
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Psalm 120:1
In my distress I cry to the Lord, that he may answer me.Psalm 120 is the first in the series of Psalms known as the "Psalms of Ascents," which includes Psalms 120 through 134. Traditionally, these were sung by pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for the major Jewish festivals. Psalm 120, in particular, sets the tone for this spiritual journey, expressing a deep yearning for peace and deliverance from distress.
This verse captures the essence of the psalmist's immediate and profound reliance on God in times of distress. The psalmist's call is not just a general prayer but a deep, personal outcry to the Lord, indicating an intimate and trusting relationship with God. The urgency of "in my distress" suggests a moment of acute trouble or pain, where the psalmist feels overwhelmed and sees God as the only source of help and salvation.
The phrase "that he may answer me" reveals the psalmist's confidence in God's responsiveness. It's not merely a cry into the void but an expectation of a divine response. This reflects a fundamental belief in the attentive and caring nature of God, who is involved in the lives of His believers and responsive to their pleas.
In a broader sense, this verse sets the stage for the entire sequence of the Psalms of Ascents, underscoring a theme of turning to God in times of trouble and the journey from distress to peace and redemption. It serves as a reminder of the power of prayer and the comfort of faith in times of hardship.
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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