Our Encircling LORD
“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore” (Psalm 125:2).
Any soldier that has endured a route march knows that it helps to sing as you go. Heads are called upward. Deeper breathes force vitality to the lungs. The pace stays brisk. And though silly, soldiers sing the words as one: “Jesse James said before he died. There’s five things that he wanted to ride. Bicycle, tricycle, automobile. An M-1 tank and a Ferris wheel!”
Jewish pilgrims making their way up rugged Judean hills to Jerusalem also knew singing helped them. But the songs God gave them to sing were of nobler vein. They focused his people on the purpose of the march - to worship the LORD in his house. The songs sung were called “songs of ascent” as they were written to be sung on the way up to the Holy City. Psalm 125 was one of those songs. As worshipers went toward Jerusalem, they would see that the city was ringed by mountains. From a military point of view, Jerusalem was strategically placed in a position that was readily defensible. So, God had pilgrim worshipers sing: “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever” (Psalm 125:1).
Living in days when they were never far from invading armies or marauding robbers, the pilgrims were extremely conscious of their security while traveling. Mount Zion was as secure as you could get in those days but living in the LORD was far more secure. So God added this verse to be sung: “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore” (Psalm 125:2).
Be sure you get the picture. Sometimes you need to change your altitude. Ever stand on a summit where all you see is majestic peaks? You too can sing this song. This is your life in Christ! You are encircled by the peace, providence, and protection of God. No, this does not mean you’re immune to trouble. Far from it, especially when you reject the LORD. Just read the rest of Psalm 125. But it does mean God will preside over you in your trials and not leave you defenseless. You do live every moment in the warm arms of a fully present always loving God who now inspires you to leave fear and live with faith-based optimism.
Kind of a silly story. Sam and Jed, hearing that a $5000 reward had been offered for the killing of wolves, promptly became bounty hunters. Waking up one night, Sam saw they were surrounded by 50 pairs of gleaming eyes - ravenous wolves, moving in for the kill. “Jed, wake up,” he whispered to his sleeping friend. “We’re rich!” Foolish or confident? Jesus, grant you grace to weigh your opportunities to live for him with wisdom. And when you must go uphill - try singing as you go. After all, your God is an encircling LORD.
