In my bible there is a title at the beginning of psalm 120 that reads “A song of ascents”. This psalm is the first of 15 psalms that were sung during a pilgrimage, most likely a pilgrimage towards Jerusalem, and ultimately the Temple. The word “ascents” indicates that the pilgrims were going up, and in fact, they were. Fun fact about Jerusalem, it was built on a series of hills in the Judean highlands (much like the Texas Hill Country). The temple itself was on Mount Moriah, now called the Temple Mount. This mount could be seen from far off as people and pilgrims approached Jerusalem.
I say all of this to paint a picture of what these pilgrims might be looking at while singing this song. They were preparing their hearts in worship, prayer and reflection. Everyone who was walking and singing knew these songs by heart, much like how we sing well known carols together at Christmas time. Imagine a group of people taking this pilgrimage together, walking through the rolling hills, seeing the city and temple from far off, singing songs as they make their way to the Temple where God himself dwelled amongst His people.
And these were the first words they would sing — “I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.”
Today, because the Holy Spirit dwells within us, we ourselves have become His temple. Our pilgrimage to the Holy Place no longer requires a journey through hills, but begins the moment we turn our hearts toward Him. What troubles are you carrying today that God is inviting you to lay at His feet? He is ready to listen—and ready to answer.