Psalm 125:1-2 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds his people
both now and forevermore.

Security is one of the basic human drives, stronger in some people than in others but present in all of us. It starts in the womb, which is probably the most physically secure time of our lives. (That’s one of many reasons why abortion is so horrific.) That’s why a healthy new­born infant will generally flail around: they are searching for those secure walls that used to enclose them. That’s precisely the image here, with the mountains around Jerusalem. The thing is, infants get born, and no longer have the womb. Providing emotional security, and an appropriate degree of physical security, is a huge part of good parenting. The thing is, the world is a dangerous place. Rather than a guarantee of security, we have rather the opposite. Even so, this passage is true, because of the one phrase, “trust in the Lord.” That’s why, when Jesus was cautioning the disciples just before His crucifixion He said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) When we understand who and what and where we are in Christ, we have the security of an infant in the womb. However rough we might have it here, the time will come when we will be “born” into God’s presence in heaven, and as Paul said, “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) Disease, deprivation, even martyrdom, will be as nothing when we experience the glory of our Lord. That is security!

This is something I am more and more convinced of, even if I do need occasional reminders. The two New Testament verses I’ve quoted have long been favorites of mine, and I quote them frequently in messages. That awareness certainly makes things much easier to endure! On the physical level I’ve experienced disease and injury, on the emotional level I’ve experienced rejection and betrayal, and on the economic level I’ve been out of work and had a car repossessed, but none of those will have any weight whatsoever when I stand before my Lord. That is security, and I am deeply grateful. God has been incredibly gracious to me, and as He told Paul, His grace is indeed sufficient; I need nothing else. (2 Corinthians 12:9) I can walk through life in complete security, and that is glorious!

Father, thank You for this reminder. This needs to be a message to the congregation, but the one I’ve already prepared is indeed what You want for this coming Sunday. Show me when and how to share this, so that it may reach the heart of each person who needs to receive it, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!