Psalm 123:1-4
Our Eyes Look to the LORD
1A song of ascents. I lift up my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven.
2As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes are on the LORD our God until He shows us mercy.
3Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt.
4We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud.
Berean Standard Bible
The worshipers lift their eyes to the One enthroned in heaven. As servants watch their master's hand and a maid watches her mistress's hand, so their eyes look to the LORD until He shows them mercy. The image is one of attentive dependence, not servile flattery.
They ask for mercy because they have had more than enough contempt. Their soul is overfilled with the scorn of the arrogant and the contempt of the proud. The prayer is short because humiliation has narrowed their words.
Questions
1 Where is God enthroned?
AnswerHe is enthroned in heaven.
2 What do the worshipers watch for?
AnswerThey watch for the LORD to show mercy.
3 What has overfilled their souls?
AnswerContempt and scorn from arrogant and proud people have overfilled them.
4 What does the prayer ask for?
AnswerIt asks for mercy from the enthroned LORD.
What This Means for Us
Contempt can wear a person down even when there is no physical attack. Take repeated humiliation seriously and do not confuse it with harmless teasing.
Looking to God can include asking for help from people He sends. Dependence is not a reason to remain without protection.
Prayer
Merciful LORD, see people worn down by contempt and humiliation. Give them dignity, safe relationships, and practical help while their eyes wait for Your mercy. Amen.