Pilgrim Psalms

The Pilgrim Psalms

November is the time we think about Thanksgiving. The very mention of the word creates a picture for us. We imagine a beautiful table dressed in linen and adorned with the finest silver. It's centerpiece is a turkey, ready for carving. The family forms a wreath around the table to enjoy the togetherness this holiday brings. As we contemplate this joyous occasion, our thoughts are taken back to the first Thanksgiving that took place on our eastern shores.

As wonderful and meaningful as this holiday is to our American heritage, there is an aspect of thanksgiving that is even more important than this. It is the real meaning of thanksgiving. What does the word really mean? The simplest answer is to turn the word around and say giving thanks. For what and to whom are we to give this thanks?

That answer will take a bit more thought, so put on your thinking caps and let's take the pilgrimage. Did I say pilgrimage? Yes, I did. After all it was a pilgrimage that brought the pilgrims to this country in the first place-that's how they got their name. The Pilgrim Psalms can directly relate to us today as we celebrate our nation's humble beginning.

These fifteen Psalms have various writers. Four were written by David, a man after God's own heart. [Ps. 122;124; 131; 133] One was written by David's son, Solomon, the wisest king ever to grace a throne. [Ps. 127] The other ten Psalms are anonymous.

The Pilgrim Psalms are commonly called the "Songs of Ascents" . This title identifies Psalms 120-134 as a pilgrim song to be sung by worshipers from all parts of Palestine as they went up to Jerusalem. [Deuteronomy 16:16] An alternate view is that the title "Song of Ascents" refers to the fifteen steps leading to the Court of Israel in the temple, and that these Psalms were sung on these steps.

How does this relate to our American celebration of Thanksgiving? Let's think about the correlation between the Israelite pilgrims and those who came from England to secure religious freedom in America. As you read through the Pilgrim Psalms you will see that they began with a cry of distress, which is exactly the cry of the English sojourners. Psalm 121 is called The Traveler's Psalm. A great journey was ahead for both groups, and each hoped for a joyous celebration which we find in Psalm 122. This chapter, of course discusses Jerusalem, but I have no doubt that our forefathers and mothers also rejoiced in the Lord and believed in their hearts that they were standing on sacred ground.

Moving on further, we see the Israelites calling on God for Mercy. Oh, how many times must our pilgrims have called on the Lord to grant them safe passage and to heal their sick. Psalms 124-125 demonstrate the faith of our forefathers. They knew that without God being on their side, they would never have been able to pull off such a journey. They also understood that they needed the protection of God for this sojourn to America.

Like the Israelites, they had a past to remember, a past where they knew they would not be able to worship God in "Spirit and Truth" May we never forget that if it weren't for the courage and faith of these pilgrims we wouldn't enjoy the liberty we have today. We must remember the past blessings as did the Israelites. We have much to be thankful for in our nation today. May we not only remember the sojourners, whose courage made our freedom possible but the God who allowed it to happen. [Psalms 126-128]

Next, Persecution.The Israelites were old friends with persecution-Remember Egypt. The pilgrims had endured persecution too. This is why they were searching for a new home where they could worship God the way He intended.

Through all the sojourning, there were lessons to be learned. Three of these lessons are found in Psalms 130-132. The first lesson is Waiting , the second lesson is Growing in Grace The third lesson is Trusting in God. Both groups came to understand the importance of waiting on the Lord. Our timing is not the same as His and only He knows the perfect time for all things. They knelt before the Lord and poured out their hearts to Him because each believed that He was in control. They knew they did not need to be concerned with great matters. The Lord would take care of them.

After it was all said and done, and there was time to reflect, perhaps at that first thanksgiving feast, they knew that as difficult as it was to travel such a long way, it had all been worth it and they were ready to dwell together in unity. (Psalm 133:1) A special blessing from the Lord.

As Noah after the flood and as the Israelites in Jerusalem, our forefathers made time to praise and worship God for His graciousness and love to them. May we be mindful of these things as we partake of Thanksgiving this year.

God Bless America!

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