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A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society
Since Eugene Peterson first wrote this spiritual formation classic nearly forty years ago, hundreds of thousands of Christians have been inspired by its call to deeper discipleship. As a society, we are still obsessed with the immediate; new technologies have only intensified our quest for the quick fix. But Peterson's time-tested prescription for discipleship remains the same--a long obedience in the same direction. Following Jesus in this way requires a deepening life of prayer, and throughout history Christians have learned to pray from the Psalms. Peterson finds encouragement for today's pilgrims in the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134), sung by travelers on their way to worship in Jerusalem. With his prophetic and pastoral wisdom, Peterson shows how the psalms teach us to grow in worship, service, joy, work, happiness, humility, community, and blessing. This special commemorative edition of A Long Obedience in the Same Direction includes a new preface taken from Leif Peterson's eulogy at his father's memorial service.
220 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1980
1978 people are currently reading
15788 people want to read
About the author
Eugene H. Peterson
419 books1,020 followersEugene H. Peterson was a pastor, scholar, author, and poet. For many years he was James M. Houston Professor of Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He also served as founding pastor of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland. He had written over thirty books, including Gold Medallion Book Award winner The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language a contemporary translation of the Bible. After retiring from full-time teaching, Eugene and his wife Jan lived in the Big Sky Country of rural Montana. He died in October 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,180 reviews
May 5, 2025
This, GR friends, is THE BOOK that hauled me up from the Slough of post-retirement Despond some fifteen years ago and put me back firmly on an even keel.
Where our Heart is, therein lies our Duty.
And what a duty! To once again turn our hearts to the task of ascending the hills of Jerusalem, as Jesus did so grimly, at his last Passover.
For these are King David’s Psalms of Ascent - psalms that tell a compelling story of once again putting our shoulders firmly to the wheel, ‘keep(ing) calm and carry(ing) on’ - no matter what our media or our enemies may do or say.
Sufficient to each day is the evil in it, and these remarkable few psalms are in fact a story of our daily lives as they occur, as we try to ascend arduously through the dark clouds that somehow, always seem to tinge each of our days with a measure of sorrow and regret.
If they remind you of the Lord’s last days on earth in the week before Easter you’d be right.
Worn out as we may be, it is never too late to seek a better world!
If you liked the Biblical street talk of The Message, you’ll LOVE this one - Eugene Peterson’s SECOND BEST Greatest Hit.
The Songs of Ascents - surely among King David’s own favourite Psalms - begin right after that monumental block of spiritual granite, Psalm 119 (my perennial fave, with my literary bent!)...
After the stylistic and hieratic solemnity of that masterpiece, King David was free to let his childlike emotions pour out once more!
So here we have the David we LOVED as a kid - casual and unafraid to dance joyously before the sacred altar of his Judge.
And his many enemies don’t get off lightly in his letting loose, either - those spoilsport stuffed shirts who cast their haughty, jaundiced glares upon this young upstart of a king who all his life retained the sybaritic spontaneity of a country bumpkin sheep-sitter!
Yes, David is always one of the very biggest stars of the Bible when he reminds us poker faces of our seething differences with our hypocritical daily tormentors, before whom we hold our newly-dealt hand of losing cards with placid feigned indifference!
And what better champion of this wonderful beleaguered king than Pastor Peterson, who can so perfectly remind us burnt-out souls of how much like King David we are in our heart of hearts?
So, come ON! Be yourself.
David is no idealized plaster saint.
No, he’s an authentic, honest, open flesh-and-blood friend and mentor.
And a long obedience in the same direction is absolutely mandatory for the purification and maturation of our souls!
FIVE full stars. THIS will get each of us, no matter how weary, back on her or his feet!
Where our Heart is, therein lies our Duty.
And what a duty! To once again turn our hearts to the task of ascending the hills of Jerusalem, as Jesus did so grimly, at his last Passover.
For these are King David’s Psalms of Ascent - psalms that tell a compelling story of once again putting our shoulders firmly to the wheel, ‘keep(ing) calm and carry(ing) on’ - no matter what our media or our enemies may do or say.
Sufficient to each day is the evil in it, and these remarkable few psalms are in fact a story of our daily lives as they occur, as we try to ascend arduously through the dark clouds that somehow, always seem to tinge each of our days with a measure of sorrow and regret.
If they remind you of the Lord’s last days on earth in the week before Easter you’d be right.
Worn out as we may be, it is never too late to seek a better world!
If you liked the Biblical street talk of The Message, you’ll LOVE this one - Eugene Peterson’s SECOND BEST Greatest Hit.
The Songs of Ascents - surely among King David’s own favourite Psalms - begin right after that monumental block of spiritual granite, Psalm 119 (my perennial fave, with my literary bent!)...
After the stylistic and hieratic solemnity of that masterpiece, King David was free to let his childlike emotions pour out once more!
So here we have the David we LOVED as a kid - casual and unafraid to dance joyously before the sacred altar of his Judge.
And his many enemies don’t get off lightly in his letting loose, either - those spoilsport stuffed shirts who cast their haughty, jaundiced glares upon this young upstart of a king who all his life retained the sybaritic spontaneity of a country bumpkin sheep-sitter!
Yes, David is always one of the very biggest stars of the Bible when he reminds us poker faces of our seething differences with our hypocritical daily tormentors, before whom we hold our newly-dealt hand of losing cards with placid feigned indifference!
And what better champion of this wonderful beleaguered king than Pastor Peterson, who can so perfectly remind us burnt-out souls of how much like King David we are in our heart of hearts?
So, come ON! Be yourself.
David is no idealized plaster saint.
No, he’s an authentic, honest, open flesh-and-blood friend and mentor.
And a long obedience in the same direction is absolutely mandatory for the purification and maturation of our souls!
FIVE full stars. THIS will get each of us, no matter how weary, back on her or his feet!
September 4, 2018
This book really deserves 6 or 7 stars. It is a balm, a kick, a nudge, a lesson, counsel, conversation, realistic, hopeful, and profoundly biblical and beautiful. Peterson is a master of the simple yet profound, the accessible yet expansive. And in that way he reflects the teachings of Jesus. This book is a treasure.
March 15, 2016
To be brief: this is one of the best books I've ever read. Ever. And I'm so thankful that I read it.
There's no gimmicks here, no easy answers, no quick fixes. This book is saturated in scripture and truth. This will be a new regular re-read, and one I'll suggest and give away to many others.
There's no gimmicks here, no easy answers, no quick fixes. This book is saturated in scripture and truth. This will be a new regular re-read, and one I'll suggest and give away to many others.
December 21, 2013
I'm convinced there's a time for every book. This one sat on my shelf for about 600 years. I'm not sure what made me take it down, but I did, and I read it, and I loved it. I read it bit by bit, a few pages at a time, because that's how I usually roll with books about Christianity, either the disciplines thereof or the adventure thereof. This book is about the maintenance thereof. It's well-written, inspiring, strengthening, and heartening. It's a book for the long haul, about the long haul, with insights into the workaday glories through an examination of the Psalms of ascent. When you feel a little bereft after finishing a book, it's a good one.
December 19, 2021
I made the mistake of listening to this one on audio all in one sitting. As such, while in the moment I kept marveling at the nuggets of truth, or questioning some of his assumptions, I now sit back and realize I've done basically the opposite of what he says to do. I rushed. And I'm the poorer for it.
I need to track down a physical copy.
I really like the way he uses the Psalms of Ascent to trace spiritual obedience. And his point about reading Scripture not for momentary application but to soak in God's word. Oh, and his point about how Christians can be boring but they're family anyway and we're called to participate in the church regardless of how we personally feel. All personally challenging and deserving more contemplation.
I need to track down a physical copy.
I really like the way he uses the Psalms of Ascent to trace spiritual obedience. And his point about reading Scripture not for momentary application but to soak in God's word. Oh, and his point about how Christians can be boring but they're family anyway and we're called to participate in the church regardless of how we personally feel. All personally challenging and deserving more contemplation.
July 9, 2024
This is my first time through this book and while it came recommended, I didn't know much about it, other than the numerous times I've heard discipleship quote as "a long obedience in the same direction." With the Psalms of Ascent (Ps 120-134) as the framework, the author describes different aspects of our discipleship. The topics ranging from worship, service, repentance, happiness and hope. I was really encouraged and I imagine it may be one I'll revisit again.
This is for the believer recognizing that discipleship is not instant, but a comprehensive, slow growth.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review.
This is for the believer recognizing that discipleship is not instant, but a comprehensive, slow growth.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review.
September 22, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this devotional on Psalms 120-134, and used it for my quiet time. I read the psalm (each chapter begins with the actual text - a big plus to me), the chapter in the book (which focus' on a theme of the Christian life as presented in the psalm), the psalm in my Bible (different translation) and then the African Bible Commentary on the Psalm.
I found this to be a nourishing read. Encouraging. Good. Simple. Principles for Christian life. Not necessary groundbreaking, but walking the well-worn paths of ancient relationship with the God of Israel as revealed in the Bible.
Certain chapters hit me very deeply, and i found myself pondering certain quotes in almost every chapter. Other chapters were merely okay, but whether this was due to a change in writing/ analysis by the author, or a reflection of my own internal state, I cannot say.
I found this to be a nourishing read. Encouraging. Good. Simple. Principles for Christian life. Not necessary groundbreaking, but walking the well-worn paths of ancient relationship with the God of Israel as revealed in the Bible.
Certain chapters hit me very deeply, and i found myself pondering certain quotes in almost every chapter. Other chapters were merely okay, but whether this was due to a change in writing/ analysis by the author, or a reflection of my own internal state, I cannot say.
July 2, 2012
I liked the premise of this book more than the book itself. I really like the psalms of ascent, but Peterson's treatment was not my favorite. The themes he extrapolated sometimes seemed odd to me, and definitely more focused on man than God. And there was not really much of anything about "long obdedience." However, I do enjoy Peterson's broad vocabulary and readability.
March 19, 2020
Wise, practical, beautiful, and immensely helpful.
August 2, 2024
A pastoral guide through the songs of ascent, so
cool! It was more devotional than I was expecting but that is certainly not a bad surprise, would recommend!
cool! It was more devotional than I was expecting but that is certainly not a bad surprise, would recommend!
October 2, 2025
This book is really great. All throughout this book Peterson points to practical ways to live as Christians. He doesn’t hide the fact that sometimes it is difficult, but there is joy and hope in the end. Going through the Psalms of Accent in this way was encouraging for me. Something that I can see doing once a year. This book may become part of my yearly routine. Highly recommend.
September 28, 2023
Oh my. Five stars does not seem sufficient for this book. It has been sitting on our shelf for years and while the title has always intrigued me, I sniffed my nose at reading Peterson because of a negative bias toward The Message. Totally unfair and uncalled for, I know. I am so happy to have been wrong about this man!
Eugene Peterson loves his Lord, and his Lord’s people. He has a wonderful way of seeing God’s work in every day life. His use of the Psalms of Ascents as themes for our own walk with Jesus is magnificent, and shows us, as modern day believers, how rich our spiritual heritage actually is.
There are nuggets of wisdom and joy on every page, but some of my favorite themes were Providence, Happiness, Hope, Suffering, and Blessing. In several chapters, Peterson remarks on the structure of the Psalm being such that as readers we must remember our past and God’s past faithfulness to his people as a way to fuel our joy and obedience in the present as well as the future.
My only criticism is that Peterson is a bit wishy-washy on the idea of eternal security. He says, ”Once you are a Christian there is no getting out of it. It is a non-negotiable contract,” and then follows that with “However true that is generally, and I think it is, there are exceptions.” Texts such as John 10:27-30 and Romans 8:38-39 clear up that issue in my mind. That said, I still wouldn’t hesitate at all to recommend this book.
One further comment-I just found out that some of the editions of this book use his Message translation for the Scripture passages. I recommend getting an early edition with the RSV translation used, which is nearly identical to the ESV, at least for Psalms 120-134.
Eugene Peterson loves his Lord, and his Lord’s people. He has a wonderful way of seeing God’s work in every day life. His use of the Psalms of Ascents as themes for our own walk with Jesus is magnificent, and shows us, as modern day believers, how rich our spiritual heritage actually is.
There are nuggets of wisdom and joy on every page, but some of my favorite themes were Providence, Happiness, Hope, Suffering, and Blessing. In several chapters, Peterson remarks on the structure of the Psalm being such that as readers we must remember our past and God’s past faithfulness to his people as a way to fuel our joy and obedience in the present as well as the future.
My only criticism is that Peterson is a bit wishy-washy on the idea of eternal security. He says, ”Once you are a Christian there is no getting out of it. It is a non-negotiable contract,” and then follows that with “However true that is generally, and I think it is, there are exceptions.” Texts such as John 10:27-30 and Romans 8:38-39 clear up that issue in my mind. That said, I still wouldn’t hesitate at all to recommend this book.
One further comment-I just found out that some of the editions of this book use his Message translation for the Scripture passages. I recommend getting an early edition with the RSV translation used, which is nearly identical to the ESV, at least for Psalms 120-134.
November 8, 2018
3.5/5.
I began reading this modern spiritual classic as soon as I heard that Eugene Peterson was in hospice, with the forecast that he only had a few months left, hoping to finish this before the end; within a few days he had passed away.
I expected to give this a higher rating, though when I purchased it my friend told me her own reaction to it had been rather subdued. I enjoyed many of Peterson's observations, his unrelenting declaration that God is for us, that He stoops to be among us, that Christians need to commune with God through Scripture and prayer rather than through the latest megachurch trend. At the same time, this book is like other modern classics such as Brennan Manning's "The Ragamuffin Gospel;"they are beloved by thousands but if you've read enough such books their impact on you is diminished.
I began reading this modern spiritual classic as soon as I heard that Eugene Peterson was in hospice, with the forecast that he only had a few months left, hoping to finish this before the end; within a few days he had passed away.
I expected to give this a higher rating, though when I purchased it my friend told me her own reaction to it had been rather subdued. I enjoyed many of Peterson's observations, his unrelenting declaration that God is for us, that He stoops to be among us, that Christians need to commune with God through Scripture and prayer rather than through the latest megachurch trend. At the same time, this book is like other modern classics such as Brennan Manning's "The Ragamuffin Gospel;"they are beloved by thousands but if you've read enough such books their impact on you is diminished.
June 11, 2024
Peterson's book walks through the Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120-134) and outlines the life of discipleship for believers. I found Peterson's book good, but I was always left wanting. I felt like he often went beyond the text and his translation for the Psalms were definitely a paraphrase. I did come across some helpful (and quotable) nuggets, but overall this book was not what I was hoping for. While this book is helpful, I believe there are much better books for someone seeking to understand Christian Discipleship.
August 19, 2024
This book was such an encouragement. I have notes upon notes of helpful quotes and nuggets of wisdom. Peterson knows the hearts of man well and how easy it is for us to lose interest in the gospel over time. In a fast-paced world where we are constantly seeking immediate answers and results, he shares the importance of reading God’s word “slowly, imaginatively, prayerfully, and obediently”. Short book, easy to read!
September 3, 2022
This book was so rich... a true treasure. Every believer should read it. I was so challenged and encouraged by Peterson’s words. I am so grateful for his life and his willingness to share what God taught him.
January 13, 2022
So much wisdom here. Eugene Peterson used the Psalms to discuss various theological aspects to the Christian life such as obedience, grace, faith, and worship. I loved it. Exactly what I needed to read right now. Highly recommend!
December 8, 2024
Alas. After soaking this in and taking my time… I finish this book. I’m so sad it’s over :/
Being a viscous underliner, I probably went through 2 pens in the process of this read… If you are any form of believer, you should go ahead and buy this now. I’m going to be thinking about this forever. Is this the best book I have ever read? Potentially. It is at least number 2 or 3 !
Some quotes I loved:
“And yet I decide, every day, to set aside what I can do best and attempt what I do very clumsily--open myself to the frustrations and failures of loving, daring to believe that failing in love is better than succeeding in pride.”
“as discipleship continues, the sensible comforts gradually disappear. For God does not want us neurotically dependent on him but willingly trustful in him. And so he weans us. The period of infancy will not be sentimentally extended beyond what is necessary. The time of weaning is very often noisy and marked by misunderstandings: I no longer feel like I did when I was first a Christian. Does that mean I am no longer a Christian? Has God abandoned me? Have I done something terribly wrong? The answer is, neither. God hasn’t abandoned you and you haven’t done anything wrong. You are being weaned.”
“The way of discipleship that begins in an act of repentance concludes in a life of praise”
Being a viscous underliner, I probably went through 2 pens in the process of this read… If you are any form of believer, you should go ahead and buy this now. I’m going to be thinking about this forever. Is this the best book I have ever read? Potentially. It is at least number 2 or 3 !
Some quotes I loved:
“And yet I decide, every day, to set aside what I can do best and attempt what I do very clumsily--open myself to the frustrations and failures of loving, daring to believe that failing in love is better than succeeding in pride.”
“as discipleship continues, the sensible comforts gradually disappear. For God does not want us neurotically dependent on him but willingly trustful in him. And so he weans us. The period of infancy will not be sentimentally extended beyond what is necessary. The time of weaning is very often noisy and marked by misunderstandings: I no longer feel like I did when I was first a Christian. Does that mean I am no longer a Christian? Has God abandoned me? Have I done something terribly wrong? The answer is, neither. God hasn’t abandoned you and you haven’t done anything wrong. You are being weaned.”
“The way of discipleship that begins in an act of repentance concludes in a life of praise”
October 9, 2018
I didn't get as much out of this as some of his other stuff I've read, but anything written by Peterson is required reading as far as I'm concerned. I would follow him around his house and write down everything he said if he'd let me.
In this book he teaches through the Psalms of Ascent (120-134). The Psalms are my least favorite book of the Bible because I'm not really an abstract thinker, but Peterson brings them to life. He says "The Psalms are great poetry and have lasted not because they appeal to our fantasies and our wishes but because they are confirmed in the intensities of honest and hazardous living." The Psalms of Ascent in particular aren't really guides on how to get from one place to another, but affirmations and celebrations of the realities we actually live in. Songs we sing that keep us going because they remind us of what's real.
Another great Peterson quote from the book - "The easiest thing in the world is to be a Christian. What is hard is to be a sinner. Being a Christian is what we were created for. The life of faith has the support of an entire creation and the resources of a magnificent redemption. ... In the course of Christian discipleship we discover that without Christ we were doing it the hard way and that with Christ we are doing it the easy way. It is not Christians who have it hard, but non-Christians."
In this book he teaches through the Psalms of Ascent (120-134). The Psalms are my least favorite book of the Bible because I'm not really an abstract thinker, but Peterson brings them to life. He says "The Psalms are great poetry and have lasted not because they appeal to our fantasies and our wishes but because they are confirmed in the intensities of honest and hazardous living." The Psalms of Ascent in particular aren't really guides on how to get from one place to another, but affirmations and celebrations of the realities we actually live in. Songs we sing that keep us going because they remind us of what's real.
Another great Peterson quote from the book - "The easiest thing in the world is to be a Christian. What is hard is to be a sinner. Being a Christian is what we were created for. The life of faith has the support of an entire creation and the resources of a magnificent redemption. ... In the course of Christian discipleship we discover that without Christ we were doing it the hard way and that with Christ we are doing it the easy way. It is not Christians who have it hard, but non-Christians."
October 16, 2023
“‘But I have calmed and quieted my soul. ’I will not try to run my own life or the lives of others; that is God's business, I will not pretend to invent the meaning of the universe; I will accept what God has shown its meaning to be; I will not noisily strut about demanding that I be treated as the center of my family or my neighborhood or my work, but seek to discover where I fit and do what I am good at. The soul, clamorously crying out for attention and arrogantly parading it’s importance, is calmed and quieted so that it can be itself truly”
A book I promise you I will read again. A challenging and refreshing read that is full of wisdom and reminders of the purpose of the Christian life. Eugene Peterson I love you.
A book I promise you I will read again. A challenging and refreshing read that is full of wisdom and reminders of the purpose of the Christian life. Eugene Peterson I love you.
February 22, 2019
My favorite thought in the entire book is this: “All the water in all the oceans cannot sink a ship unless it gets inside. Nor can all the trouble in the world harm us unless it gets within us.”
That is a pretty decent summary of the entire book. It’s an honest look at the reality of the current condition of this fallen world, but more importantly, it is a gentle (but insistent) reminder that we are entirely and constantly surrounded, kept afloat, and protected by the presence of our powerful God.
“The LORD will keep you from all evil.” Indeed.
That is a pretty decent summary of the entire book. It’s an honest look at the reality of the current condition of this fallen world, but more importantly, it is a gentle (but insistent) reminder that we are entirely and constantly surrounded, kept afloat, and protected by the presence of our powerful God.
“The LORD will keep you from all evil.” Indeed.
May 31, 2025
I’d give this book 3.5/5 stars, it was solid but I was definitely hoping for a little more. I was somewhat disappointed that a majority of the things I found the most impactful were quotes that Peterson found from other Christian thinkers, although there still were some good things he added to them. Overall I love the premise of the book (which is why I thought I’d enjoy it so much), because in a society that seeks instant and impactful spiritual experiences, it’s important to recognize the simplicity that Christianity is, it really is “long obedience in the same direction”!
April 29, 2024
I love Eugene Peterson’s writing. I have my own copy of The Message Bible and will sometimes compare it to my regular ESV one. I’m originally from California so I like the straight forward approach to things and I felt like this was a commentary of sorts. The book is about the Psalms, chapters 120 through chapter 134.
This would be a good bible study because it’s written for such a time as this.
I thought it helpful and encouraging.
Thanks InterVarsity Press via NetGalley.
This would be a good bible study because it’s written for such a time as this.
I thought it helpful and encouraging.
Thanks InterVarsity Press via NetGalley.
May 25, 2024
4⭐️ … maybe 3.75⭐️
First off, I love this summary of Christianity: A long obedience in the same direction, even though it was first penned by Friedrich Nietzsche, an atheist.
There was a lot in this book I loved and then some that was more rudimentary. The only caution I would give is that his theology on salvation doesn’t seem 100% sound. Otherwise, this is a good book!
First off, I love this summary of Christianity: A long obedience in the same direction, even though it was first penned by Friedrich Nietzsche, an atheist.
There was a lot in this book I loved and then some that was more rudimentary. The only caution I would give is that his theology on salvation doesn’t seem 100% sound. Otherwise, this is a good book!
April 10, 2023
Simple and profound. A beautiful description and thought of what life in discipleship looks like. An all-time book I’ll return to over and over
My quote note for this book is almost as long as the book itself
My quote note for this book is almost as long as the book itself
May 15, 2025
Beautiful book. I am amazed by the mind of Eugene Peterson.
The book goes through psalm 120-134 (the song of ascents). These psalms were what the Israelites sang on their way to Jerusalem each year to celebrate the holy festivals. Peterson breaks down the principles of each psalm for us as we are pilgrims on this earth journeying to the spiritual, new Jerusalem.
He starts by defining what it means to be a “disciple” and a “pilgrim”. As followers of Christ, we are students traveling in this life with a purpose and destination. We live journeying toward our home that we have not yet attained. This process of spiritual formation along the way is far from quick and easy. It is slow and difficult, but worth it. Today we want immediate results and therefore settle, but “the essential thing on heaven and earth is… that there should be a long obedience in the same direction; there thereby results, and has always resulted in the long run, something which has made life worth living.”
Each chapter covers one of psalm 120-134. Peterson pulls amazing things from each one that I would never see reading them a million times over. Some notes:
• “The fool looks at the lightning (in a storm), the wise man at the road that lies — illuminated — before him.”
Security (psalm 125)
• “Discipleship is a decision to live by what I know about God, not by what I feel about Him”. Finding security and stability is the assurance His promises provide.
Joy (psalm 126)
• “Joy is nurtured by anticipation. If the joy producing acts of God are characteristic of our past as Gods people, they will also be characteristic of our future as Gods people. There is no reason to believe that God will arbitrarily change His way of working with us. What we have known of Him, we will know of Him.”
Work (psalm 127)
• This psalm shows a “blasphemous anxiety to do Gods work for Him.” Like the work of reproduction, it requires our work, but also has little to do with us. We provide a necessary action, but it’s God working a miracle that creates the child. In the same way, we ought to know our role in our discipleship, but also others and not try to do Gods job of changing and molding hearts. We do our job and trust that God will do His.
• “Relentless, compulsive work habits which our society rewards and admires are seen by the psalmist as a sign of weak faith and assertive pride, as if God could not be trusted to accomplish His will”
Perseverance (psalm 129)
• Endurance is not trying to grip on for dear life, but moving from strength to strength. We persevere not “by probing our moods and motives but by believing in Gods will and purpose.”
⭐️Hope (psalm 130)
• To hope is to wait and watch… as a watchman does for the morning. A watchman’s job is to sit in the darkness until the morning comes. He has no control over the sun rising, but he knows that it will and continues to sit in the darkness with expectancy, knowing it will come up in its appointed timing.
• “Hoping… means going about our assigned tasks, confident that God will provide the meaning and the conclusions.”
Humility (psalm 131)
• When we are infants in our faith, we live by a neurotic dependency and need for constant comfort by God, but there comes a time where He will wean us off of milk. Weaned off the constant attention and answer of our mother so we can learn to stand on our own. This time of transition from being a sucking infant to a weaned child is not smooth or easy as the baby is denied what it thinks it needs. But it is necessary for the babies growth. The weaned child will learn to respond to God out of love in obedience and be quieted in doing so. The child will learn to simply enjoy being with his mother, not for just the benefits she gives him.
The final psalm (psalm 134) caps off the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. It shows that the long, difficult, trying journey of discipleship was worth it. They have been blessed by God and reached Jerusalem where they will then live by praising God. We will not be abandoned or disappointed in our efforts in this life. The Christian life concludes in blessing.
“The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”
The book goes through psalm 120-134 (the song of ascents). These psalms were what the Israelites sang on their way to Jerusalem each year to celebrate the holy festivals. Peterson breaks down the principles of each psalm for us as we are pilgrims on this earth journeying to the spiritual, new Jerusalem.
He starts by defining what it means to be a “disciple” and a “pilgrim”. As followers of Christ, we are students traveling in this life with a purpose and destination. We live journeying toward our home that we have not yet attained. This process of spiritual formation along the way is far from quick and easy. It is slow and difficult, but worth it. Today we want immediate results and therefore settle, but “the essential thing on heaven and earth is… that there should be a long obedience in the same direction; there thereby results, and has always resulted in the long run, something which has made life worth living.”
Each chapter covers one of psalm 120-134. Peterson pulls amazing things from each one that I would never see reading them a million times over. Some notes:
• “The fool looks at the lightning (in a storm), the wise man at the road that lies — illuminated — before him.”
Security (psalm 125)
• “Discipleship is a decision to live by what I know about God, not by what I feel about Him”. Finding security and stability is the assurance His promises provide.
Joy (psalm 126)
• “Joy is nurtured by anticipation. If the joy producing acts of God are characteristic of our past as Gods people, they will also be characteristic of our future as Gods people. There is no reason to believe that God will arbitrarily change His way of working with us. What we have known of Him, we will know of Him.”
Work (psalm 127)
• This psalm shows a “blasphemous anxiety to do Gods work for Him.” Like the work of reproduction, it requires our work, but also has little to do with us. We provide a necessary action, but it’s God working a miracle that creates the child. In the same way, we ought to know our role in our discipleship, but also others and not try to do Gods job of changing and molding hearts. We do our job and trust that God will do His.
• “Relentless, compulsive work habits which our society rewards and admires are seen by the psalmist as a sign of weak faith and assertive pride, as if God could not be trusted to accomplish His will”
Perseverance (psalm 129)
• Endurance is not trying to grip on for dear life, but moving from strength to strength. We persevere not “by probing our moods and motives but by believing in Gods will and purpose.”
⭐️Hope (psalm 130)
• To hope is to wait and watch… as a watchman does for the morning. A watchman’s job is to sit in the darkness until the morning comes. He has no control over the sun rising, but he knows that it will and continues to sit in the darkness with expectancy, knowing it will come up in its appointed timing.
• “Hoping… means going about our assigned tasks, confident that God will provide the meaning and the conclusions.”
Humility (psalm 131)
• When we are infants in our faith, we live by a neurotic dependency and need for constant comfort by God, but there comes a time where He will wean us off of milk. Weaned off the constant attention and answer of our mother so we can learn to stand on our own. This time of transition from being a sucking infant to a weaned child is not smooth or easy as the baby is denied what it thinks it needs. But it is necessary for the babies growth. The weaned child will learn to respond to God out of love in obedience and be quieted in doing so. The child will learn to simply enjoy being with his mother, not for just the benefits she gives him.
The final psalm (psalm 134) caps off the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. It shows that the long, difficult, trying journey of discipleship was worth it. They have been blessed by God and reached Jerusalem where they will then live by praising God. We will not be abandoned or disappointed in our efforts in this life. The Christian life concludes in blessing.
“The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”
July 9, 2023
I can confirm: this book is flames
June 27, 2025
This is a book I hope to read again and again. The chapters on Joy, Humility, and Community were especially impactful for me.
“Joy is not a requirement of Christian discipleship, it is a consequence.” Ummm…. How amazing is that?!
“Joy is not a requirement of Christian discipleship, it is a consequence.” Ummm…. How amazing is that?!
April 28, 2025
I plan to return to this again and again to re-shape my western mind to a more surrendered approach to discipleship. What I once believed to be a white-knuckled mastering of myself, I now more accurately view as a surrendered life in apprenticeship to Jesus. Easily digestible chapters and eye-opening stories helped me to sit in the psalms as they were unfolded before me. Well written and well needed today.
April 19, 2024
I think this is the first Eugene Peterson book I’ve read (other than The Message, which I was too snooty for when it was first published but have since come to enjoy quite a lot), and I’m sorry it took me so long to make my way to his writing. Written in 1980, and rejected by seventeen publishers before InterVarsity Press (wisely) accepted it, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is one of the best Christian books I have ever read. I recommend it highly not only to other Christians but also to people who would like to see what Christianity really is all about, at its best.
In the book (its title a wonderful appropriation of a line from Friedrich Nietzsche), Peterson guides the reader through the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120–134), finding in each psalm insights into what it means to choose the pilgrim way of Christianity. The overall theme of the book is to emphasize that the Christian pilgrimage is counter to society’s ethos of impatience and self-reliance. Peterson encourages a slower, more contemplative, and always relational, community-oriented faith.
To say much more would be to cheapen the depth of the pastoral wisdom and to spoil the delight of reading each chapter. Along with Dallas Willard’s Life without Lack, about Psalm 23, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is one of my favorite reflections on the Psalms, and I expect to return to this book, and more by Peterson, very often.
In the book (its title a wonderful appropriation of a line from Friedrich Nietzsche), Peterson guides the reader through the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120–134), finding in each psalm insights into what it means to choose the pilgrim way of Christianity. The overall theme of the book is to emphasize that the Christian pilgrimage is counter to society’s ethos of impatience and self-reliance. Peterson encourages a slower, more contemplative, and always relational, community-oriented faith.
To say much more would be to cheapen the depth of the pastoral wisdom and to spoil the delight of reading each chapter. Along with Dallas Willard’s Life without Lack, about Psalm 23, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is one of my favorite reflections on the Psalms, and I expect to return to this book, and more by Peterson, very often.
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