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Psalm 125
A song of ascents.

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. The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil. Lord, do good to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart. But those who turn to crooked ways the Lord will banish with the evildoers. Peace be on Israel.

Jerusalem, the city that David captured from the Jebusites and later expanded, was built on two hills—Mount Zion on the west and the Ophel ridge on the east. Built on these hills the city stood secure. Mountains also surrounded Jerusalem and provided a powerful picture of how God encircled and protected His people.

Those who trust in the Lord experience the same confidence and defense.  Our lives are built on the spiritual footing that God provided through His Son. Jesus, called Immanuel (“God with us”) encompasses us with His person and His power.

The old hymn reminds us that our “hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteous.” Our certain hope is built on the work and the word of God. The apostle Paul reminds us, “God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with the inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his’” (2 Tim. 2:19).

Father, thank You for making me Yours through Jesus. Thank You for surrounding and protecting me like the mountains around Jerusalem. Thank You for the certainty of eternal life. Thank You for never leaving or forsaking me. Thank You for building my life on Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen.