Five Final Songs of Ascent

The hillside must have echoed as the ancient Israelites, together in unity and in perfect harmony, sang fifteen songs of praise and thanksgiving to God, during their ascent to the holy city of Jerusalem.

And with one goal in mind, they sang; despite the weary of every strenuous stride, they sang with one goal in mind; despite the discomfort of every laboured breath, they sang with one goal in mind; despite the pain of every aching muscle, they sang with one goal in mind – to be in the presence of God in His Temple.

We too are ascending toward the eternal Temple to be in the presence of God!

Let’s briefly look at the five final Songs of Ascent…

Psalm 130, is a gut-wrenching cry of repentance: Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord (v 1). Be confident in the redemptive power of God. Be confident that God listens. Be confident that God forgives and wipes the slate of your sin clean forever. Be confident that the pain of the past will not dominate your future. Be confident that no matter how great your sin, God’s grace is greater still!

 Psalm 131, is a deeply meditative reflection on humility: My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; (v 1). It demonstrates the trust, contentment, dependence and hope that you should have in God to provide, free from a position of prideful arrogance.

Psalm 132, is a song that recalls God’s promises, David’s dedication and the faithfulness of both: he swore to the Lord and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob; The Lord swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back (v 2, 11). Cling to God’s promises, knowing that He is faithful, and trusting that He will fulfil His word in your life.

Psalm 133, celebrates genuine unity between God’s people: Oh, how wonderful, how pleasing it is when God’s people all come together as one (v 1). True unity, camaraderie and harmony among God’s people results in the flow of great blessings, as a whole and as individuals. Genuine togetherness fuelled by love for God and each other, in the community of faith, is vital.

Psalm 134, the final song of the Songs of Ascent, is a song of praise to God: Lift your hands toward the Temple, and praise the Lord. (v 2). Having finally arrived at the Temple after a long and arduous uphill journey, the pilgrims, elated to be in His presence, worship God: Praise the Lord, all his servants who serve in the Temple at night. (v 1). As your journey continues, through the highs and the lows, remember to praise the Lord no matter what happens (ref. Psalm 34:1).

Beloved, your spiritual journey is a reflection of the walk of a pilgrim in the days of old. Every one of the songs in the Songs of Ascent collection, recounts what each pilgrim would have experienced along the way to the holy city high in the hills of Judea.

The journey was filled with challenges, trials, fears, triumphs, hopes and joys as they drew closer to God but no matter what, they persevered. So, let these same songs encourage and inspire you on your journey, just as they were.

Use these cherished Songs of Ascent as your prayers and your songs as you travel this spiritual road of faith, trusting God as the ancient Israelites did, to guide you and sustain you.

And, never forget that God is for you and with you always! He is not distant even when it feels that way, for He promises that He will never fail you, nor will He ever abandon you (ref. Hebrews 13:5).

Rest assured that God’s presence makes every step of your spiritual journey worthwhile.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Five Final Songs of Ascent” © 2026 August 21, 2026