Psalms 122 Life Application

Psalm 122:1

Going to God's house can be a chore or a delight. For the writer, it was a delight. As a pilgrim attending one of the three great religious festivals, he rejoiced to worship with God's people in God's house. We may find worship a chore if we have unconfessed sin or if our love for God has cooled. But if we are close to God and enjoy his presence, we will be eager to worship and praise him. Our attitude toward God will determine our view of worship.

Psalms 122:5

The "thrones where judgment is given" are the courts of justice by the town gate. In Bible times, the elders in a town sat to hear cases and administer justice at the gate (Rth 4:1-2). Sometimes the king himself would sit at the gate to meet his subjects and make legal decisions (2Sa 19:8). Speeches and prophecies were also made at the city gate (Neh 8:1; Jer 17:19-20).

Psalms 122:6-9

The writer was not praying for his own peace and prosperity but for that of his family and friends in Jerusalem. This is intercessory prayer, prayer on behalf of others. Too often we are quick to pray for our own needs and desires but neglect interceding for others. Will you intercede for someone in need today?
The peace sought in these verses is much more than the mere absence of conflict. It suggests completeness, health, justice, prosperity, and protection. The world cannot provide this peace. Real peace comes from faith in God, because he alone embodies all the characteristics of peace. To find peace of mind and peace with others, you must find peace with God.