The ancient city of Jerusalem sits in the middle of a range of mountains in Israel. It wasn’t built on top of a single mountain; it rests in the mountains, surrounded by mountaintops.
That’s helpful to keep in mind when we read Psalm 125.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people,
from this time forth and forevermore. (125:2)
What a beautiful, powerful idea! The LORD God Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come, surrounds his people. In what ways?
As our Rock, he stabilizes. He is the firm foundation we need for identity, purpose, and hope. As our Refuge, he protects, surrounding us like a high wall that encircles a city. As our righteous King, he sovereignly provides what we cannot provide for ourselves. As our Shepherd, he feeds and comforts. As our Savior, he subdues and conquers the enemies we cannot defeat on our own. As our wise Father, he has established boundaries for our good, teaching us the way of wisdom, patiently calling us away from the paths of foolishness, reminding all who will listen of life the way he meant it to be. Indeed, “the LORD surrounds his people” in a variety of ways.
But the word that has struck the deepest cord with me over the last few days as I’ve turned that beautiful thought over and over in my mind is presence. Our God is not distant, absent, uninterested, or hiding from us. He is near. He is engaged. He is more graciously interested in us than we can possibly imagine, and he surrounds us with his presence.
What does such an awesome, benevolent, all-powerful Being want from us?
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but abides forever. (125:1)
We are surrounded that we might trust.
Psalm 125:1-2 are two verses worth committing to memory and employing as fuel for worship today. As we sing, pray, remember, and proclaim, let’s meditate on and rejoice in this glorious truth: the LORD surrounds his people. As we gather with our brothers and sisters in Christ, we’re gathering in his presence. So let’s wholeheartedly offer up a sacrifice of praise to him today. Let’s trust him with everything we have and everything we are this week.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people,
from this time forth and forevermore.
Happy Lord’s day.