In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me. A song of ascents.This phrase indicates that Psalm 120 is part of the Songs of Ascents, a collection of Psalms (120-134) traditionally sung by Hebrew pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for the three major feasts: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. The term "ascents" reflects both the physical journey to the elevated city of Jerusalem and a spiritual ascent towards God. The pilgrimage symbolizes the believer's journey towards spiritual maturity and deeper communion with God. Historically, these songs were likely used during the Second Temple period, and their themes often reflect the challenges and hopes of the returning exiles. In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me. Persons / Places / Events 1. The PsalmistThe author of Psalm 120, traditionally attributed to David, who expresses personal distress and reliance on God. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and relationship with His people. 3. Distress The situation or condition of suffering or trouble that prompts the psalmist to cry out to God. Teaching Points The Reality of DistressDistress is a common human experience, and the Bible acknowledges it as part of life. Believers should not be surprised by it but see it as an opportunity to turn to God. The Power of Prayer The psalmist's response to distress is to cry out to the LORD. This teaches us the importance of prayer as a first response, not a last resort. God's Faithfulness in Answering The assurance that God answers prayer is a central theme. Believers can trust that God hears and responds, even if the answer is not immediate or as expected. Encouragement to Seek God This verse encourages believers to seek God earnestly in times of trouble, knowing that He is attentive to their cries. Building a Relationship with God Regular communication with God through prayer strengthens our relationship with Him and builds our faith in His faithfulness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the psalmist's response to distress in Psalm 120:1 challenge or encourage your current approach to difficult situations?2. Reflect on a time when you cried out to God in distress. How did you experience His answer, and how does that experience shape your faith today? 3. Compare the psalmist's cry to the LORD with Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 1:10. What similarities and differences do you observe, and what can you learn from them? 4. How can the assurance of God's answer to prayer, as seen in Psalm 120:1, influence your prayer life and your response to future challenges? 5. In what ways can you encourage others who are in distress to seek God, and how can you support them in their journey of faith? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 1:10Hannah's distress and her prayer to the LORD, showing a similar pattern of crying out to God in times of trouble. Jonah 2:2 Jonah's prayer from the belly of the fish, illustrating God's responsiveness to cries of distress. Philippians 4:6-7 Encouragement to present requests to God with thanksgiving, promising peace in return. James 5:13 An exhortation for those in trouble to pray, reinforcing the practice of seeking God in distress.
People Kedar, Mesech, Meshech, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Answereth, Answers, Ascents, Cried, Cry, Degrees, Distress, Gt, Lt, Song, TroubleDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 120:1 5559 stress Library Epistle Lxxviii. To Barbara and Antonina . To Barbara and Antonina [186] . Gregory to Barbara, &c. On receiving your epistles, I was in all manner of ways delighted to hear of your well being, and I entreat Almighty God that He would guard you by His protection from malignant spirits in thought, and from perverse men, and from all contrariety; and that He would, with the grace of His fear, settle you in unions worthy of you, and cause us all to rejoice in your settlement [187] . But do you, most sweet daughters, rest your hope on His help, … Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great That all Troubles are to be Endured for the Sake of Eternal Life Question Lxxxii of Devotion Of Love to God St. Malachy Becomes Bishop of Connor; He Builds the Monastery of iveragh. Question Lxxxiii of Prayer Concerning Peaceableness Psalms Links Psalm 120:1 NIVPsalm 120:1 NLT Psalm 120:1 ESV Psalm 120:1 NASB Psalm 120:1 KJV Psalm 120:1 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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