He surrounds you
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever. ~ Psalms 125:2
I’ve been to Jerusalem. The very first day we were there, we went up on two of the mountains, Mount Scopus and viewed the ancient city and temple mount. Then on Sunday Morning, we went to the top of the Mount of olives and walked down the Palm Sunday Road. There are seven mountains surrounding the city and our guide told us that in ancient days people would go out on the mountain to watch battles below to see who was winning. If they needed to flee from an enemy, they could get away in a hurry.
When I think about verse 2 of Psalms 125 and consider that the Lord surrounds His people in that same way. I am so thankful that He watches from far away on the mountains but also comes close when I call on Him in time of battle and peace. It is quite a vivid picture of what it means to trust Him with every area of your life.
I’ve been to Jerusalem, and the landscape is something I will never forget. On our very first day, we stood on Mount Scopus, looking over the ancient city of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. Sunday morning, we walked down the Palm Sunday Road from the Mount of Olives, retracing the steps of Jesus. What an awesome experience that was. One thing that stood out to me was the seven mountains surrounding Jerusalem. They seemed like a protective fortress. Our guide explained that in ancient times, people would climb these mountains to watch battles unfold in the valley below. The higher ground gave them perspective to see who was winning the battle. If danger came too close, they had a way of escape. He compared the scene to a modern-day mega dome, watching a sporting event or competition of some kind.
That image has stayed with me ever since. When I read Psalm 125:2, I picture those mountains and the security they provided. But here’s an even greater truth: God’s protection isn’t just like those mountains that surround the city from a distance because He is close to us. He doesn’t just watch from a distance; He surrounds us completely, shielding us in every moment.
Psalm 125 reminds us that trusting in the Lord makes us unshakable, just like Mount Zion. The enemy may come against us, but God’s presence is our stronghold. He is both our refuge and our vantage point that gives us strength to stand firm and wisdom to see beyond the immediate battle.
This Psalm gives us a blueprint for trust, a picture of how God surrounds, secures, and strengthens His people:
- Verse 1 – Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved. Faith in God gives us unshakable stability.
- Verse 2 – As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people permanently. His protection is not temporary; it is from this time forth and forever.
- Verse 3 – The scepter of wickedness (evil rule) will not remain over the righteous. Injustice may seem powerful for a time, but it won’t last. God will not allow His people to be ruled by darkness forever.
- Verse 4 – A prayer for God to bless the righteous and do good to those whose hearts are upright.
- Verse 5 – A warning that those who turn to crooked ways will be led away with evildoers. God’s protection is for those who trust and walk in His ways.
Knowing that God surrounds us is more than just a comforting thought, it’s a life-changing reality. But how do we walk in this truth daily? How Do We Rest in God’s Surrounding Presence?
- Build Unshakable Trust – Psalm 125:1 tells us that those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, unmovable. Trust isn’t passive; it’s a choice.
- Start by declaring God’s faithfulness over your life.
- Read scriptures about His protection (Psalm 91, Isaiah 41:10, Deuteronomy 31:6).
- When fear tries to creep in, remind yourself: “The Lord surrounds me like the mountains around Jerusalem.”
- Recognize His Presence in Every Season – Mountains don’t move, and neither does God’s protection.
- In good times, thank Him for His presence.
- In battles, call on Him and remember He is near.
- In uncertainty, press into Him because He sees the bigger picture and knows the way forward.
- Stay in His Will – Verse 3 warns that wickedness should not rule over the righteous. If we drift from God’s path, we can open doors to struggles we were never meant to face.
- Seek God’s will through prayer.
- Stay connected to His Word.
- Surround yourself with godly community and people who will encourage and guide you.
- Find Peace in His Protection – The last verse of Psalm 125 ends with “Peace be upon Israel.” True peace comes when we rest in God’s hands, knowing that He is our defender.
- Let go of control and surrender your worries to Him.
- Pray daily: “Lord, I trust that You surround me. I will not be moved.”
- Walk in confidence, knowing He has already made a way for you.
Today, I want to encourage you to step into the full awareness of God’s presence surrounding you. No matter what battles you’re facing, you are not alone. Picture those mountains around Jerusalem so high, so strong and immovable. That’s how God surrounds you. He is not distant. He is close. He is watching, shielding, and leading you forward.
If you’ve been feeling unprotected or uncertain, start today by:
- Praying Psalm 125 over your life
- Declaring that God surrounds you in every situation
- Surrendering any fear, worry, or battle into His hands
When you trust in the One who surrounds you, you will not be shaken. He is your refuge. He is your strength. And He is with you forever.Bottom of Form
Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 125
1 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever.
3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous reach out their hands to iniquity.
4 Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts.
5 As for such as turn aside to their crooked ways, the Lord shall lead them away with the workers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel!
The Daily Dose 