Psalms – Unity in the Presence of God – Sermon – Pastor Dave Page

Reflection and Meditation: Each psalm within the collection offers a unique perspective on the journey of faith. From expressions of longing and distress to songs of thanksgiving and praise, the Psalms of Ascent encompass the full spectrum of human emotion and experience. They invite each of us to reflect on our own spiritual journey, to meditate on the goodness of God, and to find peace and comfort in His presence amidst life’s trials and triumphs.

Read Psalm 131

While the practice of pilgrimage may have evolved over time, the message of the Psalms of Ascent remains as relevant today as it was in ancient times. In a world filled with uncertainty and turmoil, these psalms offer a timeless message of hope, resilience, and trust in God’s providence. They remind us that no matter where we are in our journey of faith, God is with us, always guiding us towards spiritual growth and fulfillment. Our God and His promises to us are the absolute foundation of our security!

Read Psalm 125

This is a psalm that sings the praises of the enduring security found in the steadfastness of God. As the hills surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forevermore. This imagery of divine protection encapsulates the foundational truth that undergirds the Psalms of Ascent – the unwavering faithfulness of God to His covenant promises. And that same foundation truth of God’s unwavering faithfulness to us is what undergirds our own faithfulness to Him.

It doesn’t really matter what life throws at you, again, just as the hills stand firm around Jerusalem, so does God stand as an immovable rock for His people. In a world marked by uncertainty and upheaval, the assurance of God’s unchanging nature provides a firm foundation upon which we can build our lives.

Now, you might be thinking, but how does that actually work? Because, it’s really, really bad out there in the world today. The Answer is simple – Trust.

Have you heard the phrase ‘Divine Providence’. What is Divine Providence: In theology, divine providence, or simply providence, is God‘s intervention in the Universe.  The Psalmist’s declaration that “those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever” are truly words that echo forward throughout the ages so we can have this timeless invitation to place our trust in the providential care of God. In times of trial and tribulation, it is this unwavering trust that sustains us and enables us to persevere.

And we persevere because of the Promise of Permanence: The closing verses of Psalm 125 affirm the ultimate victory of righteousness and the eternal security of those who align themselves with God’s purposes.

So, because of God’s unwavering faithfulness to you and because of the trust that we develop in that faithfulness, you / we become like Mount Zion – unshakeable!

Having established the foundation of unshakeable security in Psalm 125, let me take you to the very last Psalm in the book of ascents  – Psalm 134, a psalm of worship and benediction. So now imagine the scene – As the pilgrims ascend the steps of the temple, having sang all of these songs on their journey, their hearts overflow with adoration and praise for the God who has sustained them on that journey – both the journey to the temple but also as the journey of their nation.

At the heart of Psalm 134 lies a call to worship – a command to lift our voices in praise and adoration to the God who reigns supreme over all creation. Just as the priests served faithfully in the temple, so are we called to offer our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

Our common unity – community – is found in Dwelling in God’s Presence together. Not just in the temple then or our sanctuary here today – NO! The act of worship is not confined to the temple precincts but extends into every aspect of our lives. Just as the pilgrims ascended the steps of the temple to encounter the presence of God, so are we called to cultivate a lifestyle of worship – a continual turning of our hearts towards the One who sustains us.

Jesus made this very clear during his teaching and the Disciples and Apostles urged the early church to understand this and put it into practice.

Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, reveals a profound truth about the believer’s identity. He writes that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, purchased at a price. Therefore, we are called to honor God with our lives. Paul wanted the infant church of the first century to understand that their identity was to transcend the physical temple in Jerusalem, the same is true for us here today. Our identity is not to be one thing here on Sunday morning and something else for the rest of the week. God’s word is emphasizing that our very beings are sacred spaces where worship can unfold.

Every action,
every thought,
every word…becomes an offering to the Lord when surrendered to His will. As we recognize the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, our entire lives become a sanctuary where worship flourishes and transformation happens.

Scripture Reference: Romans 12:1-2

In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul encourages believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This command by Paul goes beyond mere rituals performed within temple walls; again, it encompasses the entirety of our lives. True worship is not confined to specific times or places but permeates every aspect of our existence. Our thoughts, attitudes, and actions should reflect a continual offering unto God. Whether we eat, drink, work, or rest, all can be done to the glory of God. This lifestyle of worship transforms the mundane into the sacred, infusing purpose and meaning into every moment. It also transforms our community!

 Scripture Reference: Hebrews 10:24-25

The writer of Hebrews urges believers not to forsake gathering together but to encourage one another in love and good deeds. Collectively, the assembly of believers is also likened to a spiritual temple where God’s presence dwells among His people. As we come together in fellowship, our collective worship transcends individual expressions and magnifies the glory of God. 1 + 1 =3….or 30!! Whether we gather in grand cathedrals or humble home churches, the essence of worship remains unchanged – a unity of hearts and voices lifted in adoration of our Creator. And in that transformation, our communal worship becomes a powerful testament to the transformative power of God’s love.

Application Points

Having journeyed through the Psalms of Ascent, let us point out two practical points of application that you can put into practice that will radically change or continue to uplift your life in the here and now:

Cultivating a Spirit of Trust: In a world marked by uncertainty and fear, the call to trust in the Lord is more relevant than ever. Make certain that you commit yourselves afresh to cultivating a spirit of trust – a deep-seated confidence in the faithfulness of God to His promises. Notice this says cultivating – that means this is something we have to work at. We have to be in God’s word, we need to be meeting together.

Embracing a Lifestyle of Worship: That spirit of trust, as it grows within us helps us to then recognize that Worship is not merely an event but a way of life – a continual outpouring of gratitude and praise to the God who sustains us. So, embrace a lifestyle of worship! Embrace a daily surrender of your heart to the One who is worthy of all praise.

The closing verse of Psalm 134 serves as both a blessing and a benediction – a sacred charge to go forth into the world as emissaries of God’s grace and mercy. Would you embrace this calling to be instruments of blessing wherever we go.

Church family, would you be laser focused on the idea that worship is not confined to the walls of ancient temples or modern-day sanctuaries but extends into every corner of our lives. And that what makes us a community is Your God given identity is as a temple of the Holy Spirit, offering our bodies as living sacrifices unto God. That’s how we may carry the spirit of worship with us, shining as lights in a dark world, and proclaiming the goodness of our God through the witness of our lives together.