Psalms 120:1

Psalms 120:1 says, A Song of degrees.  This is called a song of degrees, then verse one says, In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.  Matthew Henry says the song of degrees is not really explained, but there are fifteen classified as such, by different authors.  This one is attributed to David, and he says that in his distress he called out to the LORD and He heard him.  If we as followers are ever in distress and call out to God, He will always hear us.  Verse two says, Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.  David asked God to deliver him from those who were lying about him.  We may not have people lying about us today, but if we are Christians and they are lying about us, I believe we should look to God for help and not get into a shouting contest with them.  Verse three asks, What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue? David calls on those lying about him to consider what the outcome of this action might be.  We might point out to those who may be lying about us that they need to consider what this may result in, especially if they are lying about God at the same time.  Verse four adds, Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.  David said they might face the sharp arrows of the mighty, but I believe more importantly they will face the wrath of God one day, no matter what happens in this life.  Verse five states, Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!  Matthew Henry says this is not a reference to David actually living in these places, but to those who were opposing him being people like the people in those areas.  We may live in a nation that calls itself a Christian nation, but we are often surrounded by people who are not only not Christians, but who even deny the existence of God.That does not excuse us from following God.  Verse six adds, My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.  Like David, we may live in an area where the people around us hate peace.  We only need to look at what is going on in cities today to see that this is true.  Verse seven continues, I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.  We should be for peace as followers of Christ, but we should also not be surprised if those around us are for war against God's word.