Today, we’ll start a two-day look at the Psalms. We’ll read Psalms 131-133. These Psalms come near the end of that section of the book. Psalms of ascent are very specific things; these are psalms that were intended to be sung as the pilgrims were climbing Mt. Zion, as they were on the way to the Temple. These are some of the most beautiful Psalms in scripture. The ones we will read today focus on calmness, understanding who God is, and God’s desire for unity.

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In the rhythm of Scripture, there are moments that invite us to pause—to breathe, to reflect, to reset. After finishing our journey through James and just before we enter the depth of Holy Week, it feels fitting to turn to the Psalms. Much like a palate cleanser between courses in a fine meal, the Psalms offer a refreshing reset for the soul—especially the Psalms of Ascent.

Psalms 120 through 134 are often referred to as “Songs of Ascent,” thought to have been sung by worshipers as they journeyed up toward Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. These are Psalms for the road—songs that prepared the heart for worship and centered the soul on God. Among these, Psalms 131–133 offer brief but powerful insights into what it means to live with peace, trust, and unity.

Psalm 131 begins with a posture of humility and surrender:

“O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high… I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother.”

In a world where so much is loud, fast, and demanding, this Psalm offers something radical: stillness. The psalmist isn’t concerned with lofty ambitions or things beyond comprehension. Instead, there’s a call to simplicity and contentment. “I have calmed and quieted my soul.” When was the last time we could say that? In an age overflowing with information, opinions, and noise, we are rarely still. Yet, the quieted soul—resting like a content child—reveals deep trust in the Lord. This kind of peace doesn’t come from external silence, but from internal surrender.

Psalm 132 reflects on God’s covenant with David and the sacredness of Zion. It speaks of God choosing a dwelling place among His people:

“For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place: ‘This is my resting place forever.’”

This Psalm reminds us of God’s presence with His people. The temple, the city, the place of worship—all are symbols of God’s desire to dwell with us. Today, we understand that God now dwells in the hearts of believers through Christ. But the principle remains: God desires to be with His people. This Psalm calls us to remember God’s promises and to live in the awareness that we are never alone.

Then there’s Psalm 133, one of the most beautiful and poetic songs in Scripture:

“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!”

This Psalm celebrates the gift of unity. It compares unity to the anointing oil running down Aaron’s beard and the refreshing dew of Mount Hermon. Unity is not just functional—it is holy, sacred, life-giving. In John 17, Jesus prays that His followers would be one, just as He and the Father are one. That prayer for unity was one of His final prayers before the cross. It’s a powerful reminder that unity isn’t optional—it’s at the heart of the gospel.

True unity doesn’t require uniformity. We won’t always agree on every detail, but we can still share the same heart, purpose, and love. Living in unity takes humility, grace, and perseverance. Relationships, especially in the body of Christ, are sanctifying. They stretch us, challenge us, and shape us. But they are also where we most clearly reflect Christ to the world.

Together, these Psalms of Ascent encourage us to:

• Calm our souls in the presence of God
• Trust in His promises and dwell in His nearness
• Seek unity with one another as a witness to God’s love

If we begin by fixing our hearts on God, all these things—peace, presence, unity—flow from that posture. Let us lift our eyes to the hills, knowing that our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

So today, I invite you to take a few moments to slowly read through Psalms 131, 132, and 133. Let the words soak in. Let them quiet your soul. Let them remind you of the beauty of God’s presence and the joy of living in unity with one another.