Generations have taught their children from this chapter seeking to inspire excitement about gathering with a community of believers. And for good reason.
We need each other. Always.
Especially during grief or loss.
“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’” Psalm 122:1
David leads the way in this psalm by testifying of his gladness to enter into God’s house to worship. Think of the scenario. Someone approaches David and simply invites him to gather with others—in a community of faith.
And he responds and testifies to his gladness.
It’s a good reminder, especially during loss. Isolation is not healthy. Only turning inward is not helpful. Ever. But especially when facing loss. I was warned of pathological grief because there could be a temptation toward seeking to settle into misery. Seeking pity. Instead, gathering and worshiping is what you need if you’re facing loss. Reunions with others is glorious, especially in the presence of the Lord.
“Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem! Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together, to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord.” Psalm 122:2-4
Going to the house of the Lord speaks of stability. Gathering places provide permanence. Jerusalem—a gathering place. As in Jude 24, “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy…” Blameless. No stumbling. Standing within Jerusalem’s gates. The tribes go up to give thanks to the Lord for the firm foundation he provides.
“There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David.” Psalm 122:5
Why are we glad to go to the house of the Lord? Why do we choose to gather with our community? Ultimately, we have a powerful King with sound judgment upon the throne, and we are joined to worship him together. Our feet will stand firm. We are blameless and will not stumble. Not our own doing—it’s his doing!
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! ‘May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!’ For my brothers and companions’ sake I will say, ‘Peace be within you!’” Psalm 122:6-8
Peace is a gift from God. He even had the name of the city proclaim peace. The name Jerusalem includes the word “salem” or peace. The harbor for the soul is peace. Under the shadow of his wings—in all times—is the key to peace. Surpassing. Peace and security are inside the walls and towers. As Paul says in Galatians 1:1, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…”
Verses six to eight are interactive—an interchange. Verse six calls for prayer for peace in Jerusalem. Verses seven and eight represent the prayer. David has the prayer echo immediately for security and peace to be known in the city that loves the Lord. He calls for peace to be with all of his companions—his community.
There’s a direct correlation between Jerusalem and the church. This gladness to enter, confidence to stand, and prayer for peace apply to us today. Ponder this with me. Whether you’re walking a difficult journey or not, are you glad to gather with your community of believers? Are you confident in the gospel message of the church? Are you standing on a firm foundation? Are you prayerful for the peace of your companions?
David closes the psalm with a declaration. He will seek the good of Jerusalem—as we should the church. He seeks good for the sake of the Lord his God.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Allow David to coax you to take heart in this psalm. Be glad and enter into communion with others. Stand confidently on the decrees. And embrace the surpassing peace—not the peace of the world. Embrace the peace that comes from gladness in his house and in his presence.
“For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.” Psalm 122:9
Read the E-book Facing Loss: Lessons of Hope from My Unwanted Journey