Category: Songs of Ascents Series

If the LORD had not been on our side

If the LORD had not been on our side

One of the beautiful things about Jesus’ choices in the lead up to his death is his constant commitment to have mercy for us. He showed it in his death in a way that echoes through history. But to read his story, told through the eyes of those around him, it becomes obvious that his commitment to giving everything he had to help us was entirely consistent with who he had already shown himself to be.

Jesus did for us what we could never successfully do for ourselves. He loved. He helped. Jesus had his eye on those who needed support, and he gave himself generously to them. Those people loved him. Not everybody did.

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us

We are looking at Psalm 123 as part of our series on the Songs of Ascents.

Abuse is torture. It’s difficult to go into that without raising triggers for people. But in the many different forms of abuse: all are dehumanising. Among the dozens of abusive behaviours a perpetrator is likely to be practised at are many that seek to disrupt a victim’s capacity to know and see clearly.

Peace be within you

Peace be within you

Many people struggle to understand why a victim of abuse doesn’t just leave the relationship. There are so many reasons. Enough for the moment to say that leaving is not at all simple.

The Songs of Ascents talk about leaving a place of danger. Of lies and deceit. Like a war zone. Longing to find a place of sanctuary. Leaving abuse is also a pilgrimage – one we should deeply honour, and one where the pilgrim will most likely have mountains ahead.

Where does my help come from?

Where does my help come from?

Dealing with abuse can be overwhelming, and many abuse victims might resonate well with those in the Bible who faced massive challenges: I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? We are looking at the Songs of...

Too long have I lived among those who hate peace

Too long have I lived among those who hate peace

What is life like for those who are living with abuse? The psalmist wrote: Too long have I lived among those who hate peace Living with abuse is a daily experience for many. Abusers do not need to fill their time with violence, anger,...

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