Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. ²As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.—Psalm 125:1-2
When my husband Bob and I moved to southern California, we were entranced by the endless differences from the Midwest, where we had spent our entire lives: the trees, flowers, food, climate, culture, and more. But the most dominating and intriguing mark of our new habitat was the lovely San Andreas Mountain range, rising just a proverbial “stone’s throw” from our front porch.
There they stood, as constant and immovable as mountains are. Never once was I surprised to see them there when I left the house in the morning, nor did I wonder if they would be there when I got home. What a silliness to worry about such a thing! But consider our verses. Our confidence in the immovability of real mountains points an accusing finger at our lack of trust in the God who surrounds us like mountains!
Those who put that kind of trust in the LORD are like Mt. Zion because our God is: unchanging, faithful, steady, and true to His Word.
When we trust in Him, these verses say, we become strong—steady and faithful—too. We can be compared, like our Lord, to a strong mountain which cannot be moved. We are no longer moved because we trust in the only God who cannot be moved. And His Spirit in us gives us the strength and steadiness required of us in any circumstance. What a marvelous promise and provision. Such a promise affects every single day of our lives—every difficult situation in which we find ourselves. God will never not be there for us. This is certain. Forever!
Because we have an omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent God, we know He surely can surround us daily, hourly, moment by moment. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so our God pours His being out around us as a strong band of:
Protection—“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:19)
Comfort—“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
Guidance—“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Correction—“All Scripture is breathed out by God, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Undeserved blessings of grace— “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17)
And (sweetest of all) His own presence—“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b)
Nothing can shake Him. Nothing can move Him away from us. He goes before us, comes behind us, lays His hand on our heads. Such knowledge is too high for us—we can’t fully understand it. But we are God’s, and according to these precious, powerful verses, God surrounds His people now and forever!
For Reflection
As we feast and share joy with family and friends this Thanksgiving, may we give God specific thanks for the blessings He has showered on us all year long.
How might you lead your family on Thanksgiving Day in a time of sharing to express what blessings God has given to each of you this year?
Consider sharing the verses above as an encouragement to your family members who will undoubtedly experience difficulties in the coming year.
Honor and glorify God for how He has saved us and given us the great promise of His eternal, powerful presence with us.