Psalm 122: What Happens When We Worship

Psalm 122 – What Happens When We Worship

A Songs of Ascent

Series Title: Songs of Ascent: A Journey of Hope

Preacher: Dr. Joshua Nichols, Pastor Fairlie Baptist Church

Text: Psalm 122 (NASB)

Sermon Title: What Happens When We Worship

Introduction:

Most of us know what it’s like to look forward to something—a long-anticipated gathering, a reunion with loved ones, or returning to a place that feels like home. Psalm 122 captures that kind of joy, but it centers not on a human reunion, but a heavenly reality: the gathered worship of God’s people in the presence of God Himself.

Psalm 122 is a song of arrival. The pilgrim who cried out in distress in Psalm 120 and lifted his eyes toward help in Psalm 121 now steps through the gates of Jerusalem with gladness in his soul. This psalm shows us that worship isn’t just a duty—it’s a delight, and it produces transformation in the people of God.

This message explores three powerful things that happen when we worship biblically and joyfully.

Outline: What Happens When We Worship

Main Theme: Worship is not merely something we do—it is something God uses to shape us.

This outline walks through each movement of the psalm and serves as a tool for both note-taking and midweek reflection.

1. Worship Stirs Joy (v. 1)

Key Truth: True worship begins with a heart glad to be in the presence of God and His people.

• “I was glad when they said to me…” – worship isn’t reluctant; it’s rejoicing.

• Joy flows not from ease, but from entering into God’s presence with His people.

• Worship reminds us of what matters most and lifts our hearts from isolation into community.

🔎 Cross-Reference: Psalm 84:1–2; Philippians 4:4

✝️ Christological Bridge: Jesus is the one who leads us into the presence of God with joy (Hebrews 2:12; John 15:11).

2. Worship Strengthens Unity (vv. 2–5)

Key Truth: Worship binds God’s people together in shared purpose under God's righteous rule.

• The tribes go up together to Jerusalem—different people with one desire: to give thanks to the Lord.

• “Jerusalem… built as a city that is firmly joined together”—a picture of both physical and spiritual unity.

• Worship affirms God’s justice and His lordship over His people (the “thrones for judgment”).

🔎 Cross-Reference: Ephesians 4:1–6; Psalm 133

✝️ Christological Bridge: Jesus is the Son of David who rules His Church in truth and peace, uniting all tribes under one Lord (Revelation 7:9–10; Ephesians 2:14).

3. Worship Shapes Our Prayers (vv. 6–9)

Key Truth: Worship trains our hearts to desire what God desires—His peace and the flourishing of His people.

• “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem…” – the worshiper doesn't just celebrate God’s presence; he intercedes for God’s people.

• The prayer is for shalom—not just absence of conflict, but fullness, flourishing, and God-centered peace.

• Worship reshapes us from consumers to intercessors, longing for the good of the Church and the glory of God.

🔎 Cross-Reference: Romans 12:12; Hebrews 13:18

✝️ Christological Bridge: Jesus wept over Jerusalem and now intercedes for His Church—His bride—for her peace, unity, and mission (Luke 19:41; Hebrews 7:25).

✍️ Reflection and Application:

• Do you come to worship with joy, or just out of routine? Ask God to renew gladness in your heart.

• How does worship shape your relationships with others in the Church? Are you pursuing unity?

• Let Psalm 122 move you to pray actively for the peace, purity, and spiritual health of your church.

Memory Verse:

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you.’” – Psalm 122:6

🕊️ May this message rekindle your joy in worship and remind you that every time we gather, we are being shaped into a people who reflect the heart of God.

Songs of Ascent