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Is there anything in your life that has given you anxiety? Uncertainty? A strained relationship? A financial situation? A health concern? 

Psalm 120 is considered to be the first of fifteen "Psalm of Ascents" or "Psalms of the Pilgrims." Historians believe that Jewish worshippers would sing these psalms together as they traveled towards Jerusalem to attend the three pilgrim festivals. The Jewish people had been scattered and had experienced many hardships and anxieties.

This psalm reflects on the times in which the sojourning Jews encounter those who want to kill them. The psalmist said, "Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war." 

Psalm 120 reminds us that many people have hated the Jewish people, but God has not forgotten them.

In the Psalms of Ascents, we see how much God loves the Jewish people. If you are Jewish, this should bring great comfort today. Anti-Semitism against Jews has continued around the world and sadly has been directed toward Jewish community centers, schools, and synagogues in the United States. 

For those of us who are not Jewish, there is a principle in these psalms for us to remember. We must stand with the Jewish people and build friendships of peace. A central verse in the Psalms of Ascents says: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! 'May they be secure who love you!'" (Psalm 122:6) 

Another principle for us to follow is that in moments of anxiety, we should pray to God. God will answer. We all experience stresses, but we need to take those concerns to God. He is a loving Father who will answer us. Rather than worrying about our distress, we should pray. That is what this writer is doing when he says, "In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me." (Psalm 120:1)  Charles Spurgeon said, "Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength." We should not worry about tomorrow or what we can not control. Christ will help us with what we truly need.