Deliver My Soul From Lying Lips: Psalm 120

Introduction: Psalm 120 is a deeply spiritual Psalm that sets the stage for the pilgrimage of a believer’s journey towards spiritual maturity and divine communion. It begins with a plaintive cry for deliverance and ends with a passionate plea for peace. It is a heartfelt prayer that resonates with the spiritual struggles we face in a world characterized by falsehood and discord. The purpose of this theological outline is to provide a comprehensive analysis of Psalm 120, with a focus on the spiritual journey it portrays, and how it relates to our lives today.

I. Psalm 120:1: The believers spiritual state
In verse 1, the Psalmist cries out to the Lord in distress. This reflects the initial stage of spiritual awakening where one recognizes their dire straits and turns to God for succor. Cross-references to this verse can be found in Psalm 18:6, 2 Chronicles 33:12-13, and Jonah 2:2, all of which depict a similar sentiment of calling out to God in times of distress.

II. Psalm 120:2: Plea for Deliverance
Verse 2 reveals the Psalmist’s desperate plea for deliverance from lying lips and the deceitful tongue. This is an allegorical representation of the spiritual struggle against falsehood and deception, both in oneself and in others. Proverbs 6:16-19, James 3:5-8, and John 8:44 serve as cross-references, shedding light on the destructive power of the tongue and the importance of truthfulness.

III. Psalm 120:3-4: Judgement for the liar and deceiver 
In verses 3 and 4, the Psalmist pronounces divine judgement against the liar and the deceitful. This is a key part of the spiritual journey, acknowledging that God is a just Judge who will punish the wicked. Cross-references include Romans 2:2, Exodus 20:16, and Colossians 3:9 which reinforce the concept of divine justice and the prohibition against lying.

IV. Psalm 120:5-6: Dwelling among hostile people
Verses 5 and 6 of Psalm 120 depict the Psalmist’s lamentation of dwelling among hostile people, symbolic of the spiritual isolation one may feel in a world that often rejects the truth. References like Genesis 13:12-13, 1 Peter 4:3-4, and John 15:18-19 further emphasize how believers can feel estranged in a world hostile to righteousness.

V. Psalm 120:7: Living peacefully in troubled world
In the concluding verse 7, the Psalmist’s cry for peace signifies the ultimate goal of the spiritual journey: to live in peace with all, reflecting God’s love in a troubled world. Cross-references can be found in Matthew 5:9, Romans 12:18, and Hebrews 12:14 which echo the Psalmist’s call for peace and highlight the importance of peacemaking in Christian living.

Conclusion: Psalm 120 is a moving depiction of the believer’s spiritual journey, beginning with the recognition of one’s distressful state, the struggle against falsehood, the acknowledgment of God’s justice, feeling isolated in a world hostile to truth, and concluding with a fervent desire for peace. It serves as a reminder that at every stage of our spiritual journey, turning to God in prayer provides us with the strength and guidance we need to navigate through life’s challenges. This Psalm is not only a testament to the Psalmist’s personal journey but serves as an allegorical blueprint for all believers on their spiritual journey.