Psalm 137

“How shall we sing the LORD's song in a foreign land?” (v4). This psalm of lament recognizes the pain of loss and exile; the Israelites in Babylon wept when they “remembered Zion” (v1). Sometimes we find ourselves in circumstances that are both painful and unfamiliar; we have lost the stability, comfort, or happiness we once enjoyed. God wants us to trust His good purposes but does not require false positivity (v2-3); He sees and understands our reality.

“If I forget you, O Jerusalem ...” (v5). In times of exile, we can honor God by remembering His faithfulness and putting our hope in His power to redeem every situation.