Centred on the promises.
Psalm 137
1 Beside the rivers of Babylon, we sat and wept
as we thought of Jerusalem.
2 We put away our harps,
hanging them on the branches of poplar trees.
3 For our captors demanded a song from us.
Our tormentors insisted on a joyful hymn:
“Sing us one of those songs of Jerusalem!”
4 But how can we sing the songs of the Lord
while in a pagan land?5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
let my right hand forget how to play the harp.
6 May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth
if I fail to remember you,
if I don’t make Jerusalem my greatest joy.7 O Lord, remember what the Edomites did
on the day the armies of Babylon captured Jerusalem.
“Destroy it!” they yelled.
“Level it to the ground!”
8 O Babylon, you will be destroyed.
Happy is the one who pays you back
for what you have done to us.
9 Happy is the one who takes your babies
and smashes them against the rocks!
The pain of the psalmist is really apparent throughout this passage. The situation in verses 1-3 reminds me of hard challenges I’ve faced in my life, where my inner world would be falling apart, but the world required me to put on a happy face and keep going.
We all face times of despair. When we do, we can turn to the Lord and reflect on His promises and character. The psalmist knows that Babylon will be punished eventually; they know that God is good and hears the cry of his people, and for me, I know God’s plans for me are good, and the despair I feel now won’t overwhelm me.
Thank you for reminding me of your character and that you are there amid all despair. You have plans and a future for me that is ultimately good. Help me take hope in you and your plans for my life. Amen.
Written by Ps. Andrea Molteno