Together in Christ: 'How Wonderful and Pleasant' — Psalm 133:1

Saturday, September 7, 2024

How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!
— Psalm 133:1 NLT

Key Thought

Psalm 133 is a "Song of Ascents" sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for one of the great Jewish feasts. Imagine the joy as these faithful Jewish people neared the city of Jerusalem and began the ascent up the hills leading into their Holy City. Their journey and their heritage unified them as they sang for joy. So, the psalmist used several powerful images that represented joy and how refreshing the harmony of God's people is. [1] But, the pivotal emphasis on God's love for unity and peace is made clear when the singers sang these words with joy:

And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting. [2]

We want and need the Lord to be able to bring this blessing of harmony, unity, and peace to us because we have made "every effort to keep [ourselves] united in the Spirit, binding [ourselves] together with peace." [3]

[1] Psalm 133:1-3.
[2] Psalm 133:3.
[3] Ephesians 4:3.

Today's Prayer

Holy and righteous Father, we want to reflect Your holiness in all we do and be known to the world as people who love each other fully, sacrificially, and faithfully. We want to bring You delight when You see how we live together in unity as Your children. Jesus, we know you prayed for us to be unified before going to the cross. [A] We pray that we bring You joy when You see our unity and that the world sees that unity and knows it comes from the Father sending You to save us. Holy Spirit, we pledge to make every effort to keep the bond of peace [B] as You bind our hearts together in love. Amen.

[A] John 17:1-26.
[B] Ephesians 4:3.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 17:1-26
  • Ephesians 4:1-16

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Illustration

Illustration of Psalm 133:1 NLT — How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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