Woe is me, that I dwell in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar! Psalm 120:5(Meshech is in Turkey. Kedar is in Arabia. To the Jews, they were the ends of the world and as far away from the temple of God in Jerusalem as a person could get. Here's what I take away from Psalm 120.)
I dwell, spend too much time, far away from the presence of God.
I live a culture that doesn't honor God.
I have friends, coworkers, family members who don't worship Him.
I feel surrounded, alone and weary.
Lord, revive and renew me.
I want to worship You, I want to be in Your presence no matter where I am.
(Psalm 120 is the first of the Songs of Ascent. Devout Jews sang these songs as they made their way to Jerusalem for the Passover. They speak of the process of leaving the world and its cares behind as they prepare their hearts and minds for worship. Between now and Easter, we'll look at a different Song of Ascent each Monday.)