The Lord Surrounds His People

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.  As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people, from this time forth and forevermore.  For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous stretch out their hands to do wrong.  Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts!  But those who turn aside to their crooked ways the Lord will lead away with evildoers!  Peace be upon Israel! –Psalm  125 (ESV).

This psalm gives assurance that the Lord surrounds His people.  Mount Zion is the shining city surrounded by stalwart mountains which form a natural barrier to enemies.  Likewise, those whose trust is in the Lord have the mountain of His protection surrounding them.  Although some may follow unrighteousness, enough of the faithful remain to make a difference in circumstances.  A reckoning will come:  the evildoers will be separated and led away while “those who trust the Lord…will abide forever.”  The psalm makes clear that God intends to protect the city from enemies without as well as from those within the ranks who choose to do evil.  “The scepter of wickedness” is a way of referring to current rulers (in particular kings) who have chosen wrong paths to follow.  God will not allow such a godless regime to continue in power.  God does indeed reward the faithful and “those who are upright in heart.”

We need to pray for a restoration of the spirit of America.  President Ronald Reagan called America a “shining city on a hill.”  His faith in the image of America as a light in the darkness of the world and as a nation with a purpose for good helped to bolster and encourage citizens.  His leadership in world affairs saw him stand at the Berlin wall and command, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”  And much as the days when “Joshua fit the battle of Jericho,” as the spiritual terms that historic biblical battle, the separating wall between the communist world and the free world did dissolve two years after that famous speech.  We term this particular time in which we live a “bad time”—and that it is.  But always, even in bad times, there is a remnant of good people who keep faith going, seek a vision from God, pray faithfully and keep holding out for righteousness.  These are the ones who are the sure defense of a nation because their faith keeps them praying and hoping

For persons diagnosed with cancer and having to take chemotherapy, their white blood count is monitored frequently.  Sometimes a transfusion is needed to bring the count up to a more normal level so the important treatment to curb the cancer cells can proceed on schedule.  Liken the current condition of America’s spirituality to a terrible cancer that has gripped us.  We have loved the things of this world more than the purposes of God, which, when accounted to a country, mean freedom, justice and equality.  Our nation needs an infusion of righteousness which will restore our spirit and our resolve.  We need to believe wholeheartedly that those who trust in the Lord will not be shaken.

We need to pray to that end.

Prayer.  Lord, We pray that the faithful may stand in the gap and build up the wall of safety for our land. Help us not to be fearful but believing.  May we remember that one faithful to You, Lord, can make a great difference.  As David, a shepherd boy, won a victory against Goliath, help us to personally stand firm for our convictions so that You can again turn Your favor upon our land.  Help us not to be shaken.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.