God’s word is perfect in timing and substance.

A Song of Ascents. Behold, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, who stand by night in the house of the LORD! Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the LORD! May the LORD bless you from Zion, He who made heaven and earth!

psalm 134

As this psalm suggests, even those who watch diligently over the house of the Lord day and night need a reminder to lift up their hands and praise His holy name. 

In this, the final psalm of ascents, the pilgrims have finally reached their destination – Jerusalem! They had been singing of His faithfulness during their long journey and they were now ready to worship and praise Him in the temple!

I wonder, did they find the night-watchmen sleeping? Or had the watchmen just grown bored? 

The pilgrims are neither bored nor sleeping. They cry out, filled with joy, “Behold! Raise your hands! Bless the Lord!” and then they pronounce a blessing upon the Lord’s servants, “May the Lord bless you.”

Has our worship become a bit mundane? A trifle bored? Are we beginning to see God as ordinary? rather than seeing His wondrous works IN the ordinary?

There’s no doubt the cares of this world can weigh us down. Especially when we try to carry them ourselves. We weren’t made to do that, friend.

Hand them over, those heavy trials, give them up. 

Surrender. 

Take on the easy yoke. Close your weary eyes and rest in Him. Trust Him to renew your spirit.

Then, walk forth in the JOY of your salvation. See Him as He really is – in all His wonder and glory – with freshly opened eyes.

Behold! and praise Him!