The Lord’s People are Safe

Psalms 124:1–Psalms 125:5
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Psalm 124 is a hymn praising God for deliverance from enemies. Pharaoh and his army had intended to swallow up the Israelites, but instead they were all swallowed up in the Red Sea. Israel escaped because the Lord was on their side (v. 2). They escaped the predator’s teeth and the bird catcher’s snare because of the Lord (vv. 6-7). This life may be characterized by hardships, persecutions, and narrow escapes, but God is aware of our situation and is very much in con­trol.

Psalm 125 has to do with the security of the believer. This security cannot be threatened by outward circumstances. The psalmist tells how he is safe in two ways:

1.     His Person is safe (vv. 1-2). Mount Zion is another name for the city of Jerusalem. Throughout its history, Jerusalem was often a wicked city, but Mount Zion refers to Jerusalem as the holy location where God’s presence dwells forever. Jerusalem sits on a mountain ridge that is unmovable just as those who trust in the Lord are unmovable. The mountains around Jerusalem, although they do not make a circular wall are set up like watchmen to guard her gates. From the beginning Zion was intended to be God’s ultimate seat of sovereign power on earth. It was designed to stand the test of time.           

2.     His Possessions are safe (vv. 3-4). Often in life it seems as though the righteous are the victims of the wicked. We cannot see end results, so we judge by immediate circumstances. When the rod of the wicked comes down on the righteous, it will not remain there. However, since God has permitted it to happen, we ought not to react in natural ways but in spiritual ways. 

Application

My faith in God needs to be unmovable. If my pastor or good friend fell into sin or even left the Christian faith it should not affect my walk with the Lord. My security is not dependent on any man or any church but in the Lord.