Psalm 123

My name is Mike Webster. My wife Donna and I have been at Fellowship Dallas for 19 years. I served as an elder for six years and as a life group leader in two different groups over the 19 years I’ve been at Fellowship. I enjoy participating in Men's Bible Study and have assisted the Church in facility planning and renovations. My Psalm today is 123.

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Psalm 123 is a "Song of Ascents," which were prayers sung by pilgrims as they trekked up the hills toward Jerusalem. By this point in their oftentimes long journey, they were exhausted, footsore, and maybe burdened by the mockery and challenges of the nations through which they had passed. Psalm 123 is the prayer of someone who has had more than enough of the world and is desperate for a glimpse of God. It is a song of humble reliance on and patience for God’s mercy.

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The Direction of Your Gaze

In times of distress, when our strength runs low and hardships abound, our human instinct is to look at our problems, our critics, or our own devices. This downward gaze can lead to anxiety and despair, especially under the sometimes-cruel actions of the world around us. The Psalmist reminds us in Verse 1 that peace begins with a vertical shift in perspective. He begins with a deliberate choice: "I lift up my eyes to You, whose throne is in heaven.” When the world feels out of control, we must remember that God is not anxious. He is in total control. We can certainly place all our hope in Him.

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The Posture of a Servant

Verse 2 describes servants watching the hands of their masters. In the ancient world, a master often gave directions with a small gesture of the hand. This imagery teaches us three things about our relationship with God:

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1. Attentiveness: A servant doesn’t look away. We are called to be so focused on God that we don't miss His smallest communication.

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2. Dependence: A servant looks to the master’s hand for provision…sustenance, shelter, well-being. We acknowledge that every good and perfect gift comes from God.

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3. Patience: This Verse says “our eyes look to the Lord our God, til He shows us mercy.” We don't dictate the timing; we remain at His feet until He moves. God’s timing can be very different than ours…and always better suited to our well-being.

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The Cry for Mercy

The song ends in Verses 3-4 with a raw, honest plea: "Have mercy on us, O Lord... for we have endured much contempt." Whether it is the scorn of others or the "ridicule from the proud”, believers often feel the weight of being misunderstood or mocked for their faith.

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We will likely face ridicule, slander, gossip or back-biting…and most certainly temptation. The Psalmist pours out his sadness and hurt and his plea for mercy before the only One who can provide true relief.

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Today’s Reflection

Have you had more than enough of a difficult situation or the pressure and opposition of a judgmental world? Take a moment to shift your gaze upward. Your help does not come from your own strength or the approval of others; it comes from the all-powerful, One and only God.

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Jesus, although the Son of God, modeled servanthood perfectly for us by praying to and listening patiently to Our God, His Father. He obediently and humbly followed God's plan for His life, while enduring the persecution and ridicule of the world around Him. The fact that Jesus chose to be a servant to His Master, despite extreme hardships and death, should be more than enough for believers to assume the same posture of expectant and trusting servants to our God. (BTW, I think the title of my Psalm assignment should be "Servanthood" or "Servant and Master" or "Reliance" or similar. "Service" is a bit misleading to me as it focuses more on doing than seeking, listening and trusting.

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In all our interactions with others we should model a posture of prayer and listening to God. Humility and patience should be our watchwords. Reliance on God's plan for our actions/life are paramount in a world of distractions and temptations.

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Join me in this prayer - “Lord, my gaze is fixed on You. I am frustrated and worn from trying to fix things in my own power amid the world’s trials and noise. All I have and all I am is grace-ordained by You. I choose to humbly sit at Your feet today as your servant, closely watching Your hand, lifting my soul in your direction and awaiting Your mercy and protection. My hope is in You only, Lord and Master. Amen.”