Day 12: Psalm 137 - Songs in a Foreign Land

Take a moment to close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Then open your eyes and slowly read and pray today's psalm in the image above.

Babylon (1) is a foreign place, far from home and filled with opposition to God. It represents power that oppresses. God's people were asked to sing songs of joy while they were grieving (2-4), forced to act one way while feeling something very different.

Loyalty to God and his promises can feel challenging when we are far from home (5-6). Recommit to remembering God's promises and ask for courage to believe them.

This psalm also contains raw words of anger toward those who caused harm (7-9). God can handle our honest anger and frustration. Tell God about these feelings, and conclude your time by praying through the entire psalm.

Reflection Questions

Personal reflection:

Have you felt homeless or displaced, or oppressed by powers much larger than you? In what ways do you feel that way right now? Tell God about these experiences.

Community discussion:

Psalm 137 includes raw anger at those who caused harm, showing that God can handle our honest feelings. How do you feel about bringing anger or hurt over others' actions to God in prayer?

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