SURPASSING PEACE – Psalm 121 – 10-8-23

Paul speaks of a peace that passes understanding in our worship text today (Phil 4:7). This promise of superior peace via the Gospel which inspired and encouraged the early church was not a concept novel to the New Testament however. Rest of soul secured in the covenant blessings of God is a theme explored long before in the Psalms, particularly our text today: Psalm 121. This, the second song of ascent, answers the anguished cry of the first (Ps 120) with the assurance of supernatural peace. A striking poetic structure in this song is one of progressive illumination. Each verse takes up and expands a theme introduced by the previous one. This device lifts the singer and carries him along toward glories on the horizon coming more clearly into view as the song progresses. As the author explores concepts universal to the human condition, we may readily apply the discipline of discernment to promises of hope we encounter in our daily lives. Ps 121 equips its readers to distinguish between legitimate and delusional notions of peace of mind. May we be sharpened accordingly.