Trust—Solid Like Mt. Zion

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion which cannot be moved but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever. For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous reach out their hands to iniquity. Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts. 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” (NKJV Psalm 125:1-5)

I typed Psalm 125 in its entirety, using contrasting colors, for a purpose. This is one of the “Psalms of Confidence.” It is also a Psalm of Ascents, which means that it was sung/chanted by worshipers as they approached the Holy City of Jerusalem. Can you not imagine the procession of people, ascending to worship in the mountain of the Lord, one group answering another with this wonderful hymn of praise and confidence? It is thrilling to think about the setting and to participate vicariously in the praise and worship.

Having been born and reared in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia, and having spent most of my adult years living, working and worshiping there, I can identify with the unknown psalmist who wrote this poem of praise. Surrounding me in my beautiful valley of Choestoe, named by the Cherokee Indians to mean “the place where rabbits dance,” were the two highest peaks in the state of Georgia, Brasstown Bald and Blood Mountain. A virtual fortress of mountains joined them in circular fashion to give us a place of beauty, a natural defense from enemies and a fortress. During the Civil War, no battles were fought in our beautiful mountain setting because it was isolated and somewhat inaccessible. Besides, the people who dwelt there, for the most part, were far removed from the political and ideological upheaval that tore our country asunder in the mid-1800’s. Our mountains were protected from too much bloodshed and disaster.

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion which cannot be moved, but abides forever” declared the psalmist. The mountain stronghold outside Jerusalem was the fortified section of the city, and Zion also stood for the capitol of the nation of Israel. On the mountain Solomon erected the Temple. In symbolic language, Zion is the “New Jerusalem,” the place where the returning King will set up his Messianic rule. Mt. Zion’s permanence has long been noted and praised. Moreover, those who trust completely in the Lord are “like Mt. Zion,” immovable, unflappable, steadfast and reliable. Is there any other way to be? God will provide His goodness to any who hold such trust, such rock-solid faith. As the mountains surrounded me when I was living amidst them, so were they a reminder to me of God’s unfailing mercy and His everlasting goodness. “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help; my help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1). We may not live amidst mountains, but our trust can be as a mountain, steadfast and unmovable. May it be so! Selah!

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Friday, June 11, 2010