The Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120–134) were sung by the Jews as they made their yearly pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the major festivals—Passover, Weeks, and Tabernacles. Pilgrims travelled on foot, often along steep and winding paths, carrying offerings to the Temple on Mount Moriah. The journey was long and tiring, yet these songs provided spiritual focus and encouragement. As they ascended, the pilgrims sang together or meditated quietly, letting their hearts rise with each step toward the holy place.

Psalm 123 reflects this same act of lifting the heart: “Unto you I lift my eyes.” The psalmist does not fix his gaze on the difficulty of his path or on his own struggles. Instead, like the pilgrim approaching the Temple, he lifts his eyes to the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned in the heavens and reigns from His holy place. The psalmist eyes are lifted higher than ever, from his surrounding (Psalms 120), to the hillsides (Psalms 121) and now up to the heavens (v.1b). Yahweh is the God of the Heavens, the maker of all who is seated sovereign and mighty in heaven, surveying the grounds, all knowing, all understanding. Just as servants fix their eyes to the masters for guidance and provision, the psalmist looks to God for mercy and help.

In the midst of affliction, he calls out three times for God’s mercy (v.2c-3). Weary of scorn and ridicule from those who seem proud and prosperous, he does not take vengeance into his own hands. He trusts God to act, knowing the Lord’s justice and timing are perfect. This psalm shows us a better way in our own trials. When we face injustice, insult, or hardship, we are tempted to act in our own strength. Instead, we can lift our eyes to the Lord, trusting Him to be our avenger and deliverer. Those who seek Him will not be forsaken.

This principle is seen even today. Take Luke Michaels*, a young man who was paralyzed in a tragic accident in 2014. He was a young man who many good years ahead of him. Motivated, athletic, and devoted to God, Luke suddenly found himself confined to a wheelchair. Despite his life-altering injury, Luke chose not to despair. He lifted his eyes to God, trusting His plan, and became an inspiration to many, showing that faith in God can provide strength, hope, and perseverance even in the hardest circumstances. Like the psalmist, Luke refused to be consumed by his trial and instead looked to God for guidance and purpose. Today, Luke inspires countless others with his message of hope and perseverance, showing that when we look up to God, we find grace greater than our suffering.

Dear brothers and sisters, life’s climb can be steep and wearying and it is easier to give up when our lives do not turn out to be the way we imagine. But like the pilgrims of old, like the psalmist, and like Luke, let us lift our eyes to the Lord. For those who look to Him will never be put to shame. He sees, He cares, and in His time, He will act.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, when the climb feels long and our hearts grow weary, teach us to lift our eyes to You. Be our strength, our mercy, and our help. May we trust Your justice, rest in Your timing, and find hope in Your steadfast love. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0wXy_d4pyM