Housegroups 

Confidence going onwards

Sermon date: 7 June
Reading: Psalm 121 


Introduction

Following on from our great celebration of Pentecost we now look forward to continuing with Christ through the Holy Spirit. In the days of the Old Testament it is thought that the Holy Spirit seemed to inspire individuals, for particular works which God wanted to do among his people. They were mostly prophets and leaders, and this includes the writers of the Psalms.
The book of Psalms is the longest book in the Bible and is one of its high points. It contains 150 “Psalms” i.e. songs and poems and was compiled over a long period of time and by different authors.

Icebreaker
 

Ask those present if they have ever read any psalms and if so which ones they found interesting or helpful. Many will be able to point to Psalm 23 – “The Lord is my Shepherd” and most will know something about them. If they have a favourite it may be good to share those later in the meeting if you have time. The point of the conversation at this time is simply to begin focusing on the idea of experiencing God through the Psalms.

Suggestion: Listen to music together – perhaps a psalm written to music – But focus on the positive on this occasion. It is true that the Psalms cover a wide range of human emotion but this time we are looking at the joy and comfort of knowing God is with us.
 
Study 
 
Q1 - The Psalm 121 is headed “A song of Ascents”. What do you think Ascents mean?
Some have thought that this refers to the steps leading to the temple – literally a song of the stairs – to be sung as they ascended to the place of worship. It may refer to the annual religious pilgrimages to Jerusalem which brought worshippers to mount Zion. (Ex. 23:14 – 17, Dt 16:16) The psalms would also have been used in temple liturgy during the services.

Please read Psalm 121 together

Note: It could be read as a dialogue one replying to another. We often do this in liturgical services where one side of the church speaks one verse or part of a verse and then the other responds with the next part.

Q2 - Now look again in detail at verses 1 and 2, they are a confession of trust in the Lord.  Why are they looking up?  

Q3 - What are they looking at?

Q4 - Why might we need help?

Q5 - Who is the Lord?

You will by now have seen that the Psalm comprises four couplets, each with an introductory line and then developing their theme.
Look for “The Lord” and “watch over” – words of confidence and trust.

Q6 - Look at verse 2 and 3, consider why we might be concerned that the watcher might slumber or sleep?
(Hint: In those days there were people given the task of watching over others or over animals at night in order to keep everything safe. Humans, however, are prone to slumbering and sleeping – God himself will never let us down like that)

Q7 – Look at verse 5 and 6, what else will the Lord do?
(Hint: He is the protector from the elements – the sun and the moon everyday protection)

He will provide unfailing protection from all stresses and threats and the difficulties of life. This is not to say that we will never have any problems, but more that God will be with us throughout our lives. He will not rest or step back from his promise but will continue walking with us throughout our lives until he calls us home to be with himself.

Q8 – In what ways would you like God to protect and watch over you?

Q9 - Is there something we are called to do regarding this? What is our part?

Prayer
 

You may choose to end your time together with prayer and encouragement, maybe read the Psalm once again as part of your prayer.

Additional activity (if you wish)

Why not try to illustrate this psalm in some way? I have a wonderful book or illustrated manuscripts of the Psalms and I have found that the pictures can be a real spiritual help. During this time of lockdown we can look up and see the good things that God is doing and enjoy the opportunities He provides. Perhaps making a photographic record or an artistic presentation can help us in our prayers.


Jane Hiley, 29/05/2020