THE CHILDREN'S UPWARD WAY

Read Psalm 129. This shows confidence in God. Even in their youth the people who trusted in Him had suffered much from those who scorned them. But they confided in Him and sang "Jehovah is righteous". Believing children are often mocked when at school but, knowing the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ' they are able to bear it and even to pray for those who are unkind. God observes and recompenses all.

Psalm 130, This is contrition which means that the psalmist was fully repentant of his sins' He wrote of God "But there is forgiveness with thee' that thou mayest be feared". ln the Christian pathway we must always remember that we are vessels of mercy. We have redemption through the blood of Jesus and are now His own possession.

Psalm 131. David had the consolation of being humble-minded before God. This flowed as it were out of the experiences of the previous Psalms. He sang "My heart is not haughty". It is full of moral beauty that he also longed continually after a greater knowledge of God. This longing is always answered.

Psalm 132. This is a much longer Song than the others. Its theme is consecration or devotedness which should begin as soon as we come to know the Lord. David had heard of the ark of the covenant when in his childhood's home' He longed to make a suitable resting place for it. His words were "l will not give sleep to mine eyes” until I find out a place for Jehovah. This place was in his own heart! The ark was a wonderful type of ark was a wonderful type of the holy person Lord Jesus of the Christ who dwells in the affections of His own people. The Song is a triumphant one.

Psalms 133 and 134. These represent congregation and completion. As the people came towards the end of their pilgrimage they sang, How pleasant it is for brethren to dwelt together in unity!” It is still so and the blessings of eternal life are thus shared. The former of the two Songs dwells on blessings received from God; the latter celebrates the completion of the pilgrimage in praise and blessing to Him, “Behold bless Jehovah, all ye servants of Jehovah”. Do you enjoy singing His praises?

J.C.Evershed

NB This piece appears in consecutive issues – see No 128 (November 1983) and No 129 (December 1983)