What was your impression of this psalm?
After reading all of the psalms of ascents (psalms 120-134), this psalm was clearly written before the exile. The psalms are not necessarily ordered chronologically by date.
What is striking is the psalmist desire to never forget. He is even giving God “permission” to harm him should he “forget Jerusalem.” Jerusalem was more than a place or a home town to these people. It represents God, the place where God resides. So his plea to never forget includes not forgetting God.
You can almost share in the despair of the psalmist. He describes two memories that are really haunting him. Sometimes even bad memories can be used to help us, but most times not. Here, he is recalling how hard it was to obey and play his music amidst the pain.
His comment in verse 4, “But how can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a pagan land?” Think of what we know today about our call to make disciples of all nations. Those in captivity had the opportunity to do just this. In a pagan land, who better to need to know of God’s love and deliverance?
I’ve had times where it’s hard to feel like worshiping amidst the pain or struggle. It is in those times I had to dig deeper than normal. When I am able get past the “going through the motions”, I have entered into truly intimate worship.
The psalm’s third section recalls the day they were taken. It would be like reliving a nightmare over and over. But in this case, the nightmare is real. I’m guilty of doing this, playing in my head over and over again something bad that happened. It can cripple you. Don’t do it!
Here the psalmist is using it to help him remember, to help him stay angry at his captors. I would suggest that this is not healthy. It can suffocate you when you are captive to your own memory.
What were your impressions of this psalm? Have you ever held on to a memory that maybe you shouldn’t have?
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for the freedom we have to worship you. I pray for your followers around the globe who are being held captive to worshiping you. May we not forget that you are in control, and our time here on earth is limited when compared to the eternity we can spend with you. Help me to focus on the joy that my salvation brings. Help me to not dwell on the negative. Shield me from the evil that surrounds me that I can stand strong as a warrior of faith. You are my God, and I will not forget you! Thank you for the peace that you bring to my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
