Having grown up in the mountains of Papua New Guinea, Psalm 121 has always been a favorite: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills.” We were literally surrounded by mountains. In the distance on either end of the valley the mountains cascaded over each other in infinite shades of blue and green. As we looked southeast towards Mt. Hagen, we could see the rugged mountain range over which the first missionaries walked bringing the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ to the people of the Enga Province.
Psalm 121, the psalm for the Second Sunday of Lent, is one of the “Song of Ascents.” The Song of Ascents (Psalms 120-134) were sung by pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem to celebrate the great Jewish festivals. They were so-called because Jerusalem is the highest point in Judea, so pilgrims would always be walking uphill as they approached the city.
Below is a link to a recording of a setting of Psalm 121 by the British composer Sir Henry Walford Davies (1869-1941). The sheet music is still available and can be found by clicking here.
As you listen and meditate upon this psalm, thank God for the mountains in your life trusting that God will bring His help, comfort, and aid through and over them.
