Surrounded

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.” Psalm 125:2

I have not visited Jerusalem (yet!) so in order to fully appreciate this verse, I read up a bit on the topography and geography of Jerusalem. I found out that though the city of Jerusalem itself is built on an elevation, it is surrounded by various mountains and hills some higher than the city. To the east lies the Mount of Olives, to the south the Hill of Evil Counsel, to the west is the hill beyond the valley of Jehoshaphat and to the north another hill.

The Jebusites who occupied the city were so confident in the the location of Jerusalem that they remarked in 2 Samuel 5:6 when King David marched against the city that “even the lame and blind can ward you off”. The Psalm was written for the exiles who had returned home to a ruined Jerusalem which they set out to rebuild. They were not many in number and must have felt overwhelmed and defenseless. The Psalmist reminded them that thought they may feel intimidated by the enemies around them, God Himself surrounded them and so they had nothing to fear.

What an assurance of divine protection and deliverance! God is assuring you and I today that He is always round about us and that affords us more security than any mountain or hill. God Himself in all His power, might, greatness, splendor and love surrounds us. He, in all three persons-Father, Son and Spirit-creates an impenetrable defense around us. Though the enemy will continue to attack us-well, that’s his job-we are assured that God will protect us against him daily.

This is what Psalm 18:2 says, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” When Elisha’s servant Gehazi saw that they were surrounded by the Aramean Army, he panicked then God opened his eyes to see that the hillside around Elisha was surrounded by horses and chariots of fire ( 2 Kings 6). Well, today’s text tells us God Himself and not horses or chariots of fire surround those of us who trust in Him. Nothing and no one will defeat us for they will have to defeat God first. Impossible. Let this bolster your confidence. You are safe!

Blessings

Love, Lady Monica ❤