Journey to Jerusalem Day 30

Thursday, March 18 Psalm 122:6-9
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
“May they be secure who love you!
7 Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!”
8 For my brothers and companions' sake
I will say, “Peace be within you!”
9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your good.

Don’t we all long for peace, yearning to live in a world where gentleness and justice are the norm?

There are approximately 400 references to peace in the scriptures. In this Psalm, David is asking for prayer for the peace of Jerusalem. He is praying for the temple and his brethren, that their place of worship would be secure and filled with peace.

The Lenten season provides an opportunity for us to be self-reflective and repentant. It is a chance to intentionally seek God and examine our hearts. We remember the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us and prepare ourselves for the celebration of Christ’s victory over death through His resurrection.

We can do as David did and ask the Lord to pour out His favor on our “house of the Lord.” In v. 6, David says “…may those be secure who love You…” This is a reminder that real peace can only come through faith in God. It is only as we surrender to Christ and obey Him that we are able to find true inner peace that circumstances cannot shake.

Until Jesus returns and sets all things right, we may struggle in this world to always feel peaceful. But as John 16:33 tells us “…In the world we will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” We can be thankful and rejoice that our future is certain, that a time is coming when eternal peace will reign.

Father, thank you that you have sent us Your son Jesus, our King of Peace who has conquered death and promises us eternal life and unending peace.
Amen.