Those who trust in God are like Zion Mountain: Nothing can move it, a rock-solid mountain you can always depend on. Mountains encircle Jerusalem, and God encircles his people— always has and always will.
Psalm 125: 1-2 The Message
One of the blessings of living in the Wenatchee Valley are the mountains which surround the place we call home. At this time of year, they are often striking, adorned with snow, even when the last snow drifts have melted from the valley floor.
The Psalmist wrote from the land of Israel, and probably from Jerusalem, home to Mount Zion. He viewed the sure and steady presence of the holy mountain in Jerusalem, Mount Zion, as a symbol of God’s steady, constant, comforting presence.
The Psalmist finds comfort in God, because many people were scared of Israel’s enemies. For much of its history, Israel was under almost constant threat from larger, and often hostile neighboring nations. Yet the Psalmist sees Israel surrounded not by hostile enemies, but by the loving presence of God.
We can choose to look at the world through the eyes of fear, the definition being: “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat”. Or we can look at the world as the Psalmist does, providing an alternative worldview: a faithful “augmented reality.” The Psalmist chooses to look into the direction of hope, and not hate.
While there are very real enemies all around Israel, the Psalmist sees God’s steady hand behind everything. He looks to the mountains and sees them standing firm, unmoved, much like the snow-covered peaks around our valley: always inspiring, and always present. For those of us in the Pacific Northwest, trusting in God means looking at those solid snowcapped peaks and being reminded that we can feel secure in both their beauty, and their foundation. Even out on the open plains, God is still circling around his people. No matter where you live, looking out your window at God’s creative, bold, and intricate handiwork can remind us of His permanent presence.
Are you like the Psalmist, putting your faith in our mountain-creating, rock-solid God? Or are you giving into the fear present in our world?
Whatever trials you are facing this week, know that the love of God will solidly surround you, like high mountains encircling a valley. All you have to do is ask…
Prayer
Lord, I thank You for the beauty of the world You have created for me to enjoy. Forgive me when I put my trust in others, and not in You. Help me to look to You for strength and support, so I, in turn, can be a pathway to those who are seeking You. Give me the patience to wait upon You, and to trust in You always.
Faithfully I pray this prayer in the name of Your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen
