A song of ascents.

1 Blessed are all who fear the Lord,
    who walk in obedience to him.
2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;
    blessings and prosperity will be yours.
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
    within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
    around your table.
4 Yes, this will be the blessing
    for the man who fears the Lord.

5 May the Lord bless you from Zion;
    may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
    all the days of your life.
6 May you live to see your children’s children—
    peace be on Israel.

Maybe I am just a little sensitive due to all the walking I have been doing in preparation for the pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago,  but whenever I read anything, especially scripture, with the idea of “walking” in it, I pay particular attention.  

Psalm 128 is one of 15 songs sung by travelers on their way to Jerusalem, hence the ascent title, and the focus on walking.  This Psalm not only calls out the walk in obedience, but also translates “Fear” as “walk in the ways”… of the Lord.

Our walk along the Camino de Santiago will bring about many benefits.  Physical, emotional and spiritual to name a few, but none of these compare to the promises of the blessings called out in this Psalm. Who isn’t looking for the personal and national blessings identified here?

As you read this devotion, I will be on the road “singing” the song of Psalm 128.  I encourage you also to sing/pray the blessings of Psalm 128 for yourself, family, nation, and Church as we “walk in His ways”.

Ultreia…Doug

(Camino greeting meaning Let’s go forward)