上行之詩 (1)

上行之詩 (1)
聖經閱讀：詩篇120:1-7; 129:1-8 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年9月10日(四)

今天我們會開始一系列的靈修文章來談詩篇第120到134篇，這些詩篇常常被稱為「上行之詩」。 　這些詩篇被稱為「上行之詩」乃是因為它們是朝聖者──旅行到特別宗教聖地的人──所唱的讚美詩。這些朝聖者要去耶路撒冷慶祝猶太節日，當這些人起程時，他們會唱詩篇第120篇，接著繼續唱下一篇，然後再下一篇，直到他們唱到詩篇第134篇時，正好抵達耶路撒冷。 　在詩篇第120篇，朝聖者唱到跟不遵從上帝的人相處的經驗：「我跟厭惡和平的人相處太久了。我愛好和平；我講和平，他們卻要戰爭」（第6-7節）。接著在詩篇第129篇，他們唱到遭遇患難的情形，但是上主行了公義（第4a節）。 　我們必須學像這些朝聖者，知道上帝會與我們同在，即便我們遭遇患難，上帝會幫助我們做正確的事。 －BH 「我在患難中求告上主，他就答應我。」 詩篇120:1 禱告：上帝，我讚美祢與我同在──甚至在我遭遇患難時。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

Pilgrim Psalms (1)
Bible Reading: Psalm 120:1-7;129:1-8
Thursday, September 10, 2015

Today we will begin a series of devotions that will look at Psalms 120 through 134. These Psalms are often called “pilgrim psalms.” 　These chapters are called “pilgrim psalms” because they were sung by pilgrims — people who traveled to a special religious place. These pilgrims went to Jerusalem to celebrate Jewish feasts. As these people started their journey, they would sing Psalm 120. Then they would sing the next Psalm and continue until they sang Psalm 134 as they arrived in Jerusalem. 　In Psalm 120, the pilgrims sang about being among people who did not follow God. “I have lived too long with those who hate peace. I ask for peace, but they want war” (verses 6-7). Then again in Psalm 129 they sang about facing troubles, but “the Lord does what is right” (verse 4a). 　We need to be like these pilgrims and realize that God will be with us. Even though we face troubles, God will help us and do what is right. —BH “I was in trouble. I called to the Lord for help, and he answered me!” Psalm 120:1 PRAYER: God, I praise You that You are with me — even when I face times of trouble. In Jesus' name. Amen.