Trust in the Lord

Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever. Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever. The wicked will not rule the land of the godly, for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong. O Lord, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with you. But banish those who turn to crooked ways, O Lord. Take them away with those who do evil. May Israel have peace! Psalm 125 NLT

I think of psalm 125 in terms of the Israelites returning to Jerusalem after being in exile for years. The walls and the city needs to be rebuilt. Strangers to the faith have not only taken over the area but many of God’s people intermarried with these pagans and tempted them to leave God’s side. The city seems surrounded by the wicked on every side. Yet, there is something enduring about the whole mountain and the mountains that surround the city. Despite the exile and the time away, Jerusalem is still there. 

There are times in our lives when we are like people in exile from God. We are far away,  blaming God, blaming ourselves, blaming others for our predicament. We moan and complain. We feel emotionless when we talk to God. Where has God gone? What can bring that close relationship back into our lives? Whether due to sinful behavior or a spiritual crisis, these times can be very real. 

Yet, God is enduring. God has not gone away. We must turn ourselves from blaming to trusting. Even if we cannot “feel” God’s enduring presence, God has not left us alone. 

God, surround me with your love and mercy, both now and forever. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012