Backward Mutters

  • What Hope?

    What Hope?

    The Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-135) are the songs of pilgrims on the road to meet with God. They vocalize the reasons for pilgrimage, its benefits, and struggles. Psalm 124 is a song from the vantage point of the finish and of hope realized — the hope which pilgrim’s carry…

  • Look Up?

    Look Up?

    The posture of the Christian’s walk of pilgrimage to God is one of service and humility. It is a posture of pleading for mercy. The mercy we seek and which God offers is not one begrudgingly given by our Father. (Who gives his son a stone?) Rather we best participate…

  • What Help?

    What Help?

    Psalm 121, the second of the psalms of ascent, has the psalmist on the road of pilgrimage to Jerusalem. On the way, both the hardships of vulnerability manifest themselves to the pilgrim. The pilgrim needs help, but where to look? All around upon each of the hilltops he passes are…

  • Stay Home?

    Stay Home?

    The songs of ascent (Psalms 120-135) are a collection of psalms which were sung by those making their way to Jerusalem to worship during the great feasts of the Jewish year. Psalm 122 is written from the vantage point of one who has arrived in Jerusalem. The gladness which awaits…

  • Are We There Yet?

    Are We There Yet?

    A sonnet for the one who, though hopeless today, is optimistic that their renewed self-effort will make a better tomorrow.