A Long Obedience in the Same Direction

I look up to the mountains;
does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from GOD,
Who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.
Psalm 121:1-2 (The Message - Psalms)

As people of faith we should seek to become a disciple and a pilgrim. A book within Psalms known as the Song of Ascents, Psalms 120-134, challenges and encourages us to become modern pilgrims. Eugene H. Peterson covers each psalm that makes up the Song of Ascents in his book A Long Obedience in the Same Direction - Discipleship in an Instant Society.

Sung by Hebrew pilgrims on their way to worship in Jerusalem, these psalms are as important to us today as they were in their own time. We are challenged to say NO to the world and say YES to God. Peterson devotes a chapter to each psalm and we journey through repentance, providence, worship, service, help, security, joy, work, happiness, perseverance, hope, humility, obedience, community and blessing.

Along with offering bushels full of personal growth, I’ve marked up my Bible extensively, it offers a lot in the way of history. Peterson’s interpretation and knowledge of the time of the Hebrews gives us immediate explanation for verses which might initially be misunderstood by a new student of the Bible.

For example the above passage that was used from The Message, also by Peterson (I’m not certain if this is a book in our library), is clear that we should seek God not his creation. I think in many cases we think scripture says one thing when in fact it is referencing something different. No matter what translation of the Bible you read, Peterson can lead you to Jerusalem and advise you to keep away from those mountains and hilltops where talismen try to sell you a quick fix and promise to make your journey safe. And all along I thought Psalm 121:1 was telling me if I look all around me I could find God in the world.

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction does not use Peterson’s translation for the Psalms from The Message since that was written much later. After reading this book however, I can read The Message and have new insight into why he interpreted the Psalms.

Have you read anything by Eugene Peterson, this book perhaps? What are your feelings about the Psalms in general? Do you find reading the Psalms challenging?