Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people both now and forevermore. (125:1-2)
Protection. Security. Safety. We desire these things. We want to be safe, to be free from threats, to be secure. Think of how much business is generated each year by people simply wanting to protect themselves, their families and their possessions. We long for security because we know we live in an unsafe world.
The people in Israel longed for the same security we long for. As they traveled to Jerusalem, they reminded themselves that, ultimately, our security does not come from physical strength, military might, material wealth, fences or weapons. Our ultimate security is found in the Lord. Those who trust in Him cannot be shaken. They will endure forever. They are surrounded by the LORD both now and forevermore.
It was that last statement that really encouraged my heart. We are surrounded by the LORD. He is above us, watching us…beside us, walking with us…beneath us, supporting us…and around us, holding us. We live in His presence. We abide in His arms. Both now (in this life) and forevermore (in the life to come).
This does not mean that bad things won’t happen to us now. We still live in a sin-cursed world. God has chosen not to remove us from this world but He has promised to be with us in this world. To strengthen us, encourage us, support us, and use us for His glory. This is the hope and security that we have in Him.