Today’s Chaplain’s Corner continues from the Songs of Ascent, which are written from the perspective of a pilgrim on a journey. Many of these songs speak of dangers which travelers face during their journey. The songwriters are very conscious of the need for protection against the enemy.

• Psalm 120 and 121 speak of lying, deceit, war, and evil.
• The writer of Psalm 123 seeks mercy from those who hold him in contempt and scorn. Yes, we want some of that mercy, too!
• Psalm 124 reminds us of what might have been if it had not been for the LORD’s protection. “…if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us,they would have swallowed us alive when their anger flared against us; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away”  (Psalm 124:2-5).
• Psalm 129 paints a vivid picture of being run over (picture tire treads on your back). Since they didn’t have trucks back then, the metaphor was to farm equipment. “The plowers plowed on my back, they made their furrows long” (Psalm 129: 3). Ouch! I think some of us have been here.

The enemies of the Jews were real. They faced constant threats. Likewise, we face a real enemy right now in this pandemic. This Covid-19 virus is our enemy and we seek protection. The precautions most of us are taking are quite simple (not easy, mind you, but within our own capabilities)—keeping apart, wearing a mask, washing our hands, making sure our surroundings are clean, etc. We could have been taking these precautions all along but didn’t realize this enemy was out there until people started getting sick. We can also see evidence of a greater enemy, Satan, because we see the effects of his handiwork. The precautions we should be taking against Satan are also quite simple (and not always so easy). We need to stay in alignment with God, in His Word, in prayer, and in fellowship with other believers.

These songs are a reminder that when we face our enemies, we can cry out to Jesus. We can seek mercy. We can seek protection. We can seek justice; to be avenged. God might not answer our prayers in the way we think he should, but sometimes what we need most is to be able to cry out to someone somewhere. And we know that God is good, and that He cares for us, and we know that He hears us when we cry. I love the words in this song, Cry to Jesus (Third Day).

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
And love for the broken heart
And there is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He’ll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus.

“The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. “(Psalm 121:7-8)

In Christ,

Judy