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

I Shall Not Want

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” –Psalm 23:1 (Read Psalm 23).

We could aptly read Psalm 23:1 as “Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall want for nothing!” Considering the psalm in the light of shepherd and sheep, as Phillip Keller so aptly presents it in his book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 (1970), he states: “No doubt the main concept is that of not lacking—not deficient—in proper care, management or husbandry. But a second emphasis is the idea of being utterly contented in the Good Shepherd’s care and consequently not craving or desiring anything more” (p. 26). This bold statement on David’s part, “I shall not want,” does not refer to material wealth and plenty. Rather, it shows total dependence on the Master and His ability to provide in every circumstance. It is about total reliance on the Shepherd who is able to “give life and give it more abundantly.”

Have you known Christians who by their lives and manner of living radiate serene confidence and quiet joy? As Paul the Apostle wrote, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11). Paul wrote these words from prison. Yet he was making the best of his situation, and finding Christ all-sufficient. King David had enemies on every hand, yet he could say with all confidence, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” To be under God’s care and to know it, assuredly, is to be completely satisfied with the Shepherd’s management of one’s life. Like the sheep under the care of a good and caring shepherd, we “go in an out and find pasture.” We rest in the provision God makes in every condition of life.

Is this to say we have no voice in what happens to us, no option but to blindly follow? Remember that God grants choice to each of us. We choose the high road or the low, the good pastures or the less verdant, to liken life to the places a shepherd leads his sheep. Our confidence is that the places the Good Shepherd leads are best for us. And because I accept and follow, I want nothing. Day and night, through joy and through sorrow, the eyes and the ears of the Good Shepherd are attentive to me, His sheep. “He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; He that keepeth thee will not slumber. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even forever more” –Psalm 121:3, 8. Therefore, because the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall want nothing. I rest in Him.

He keeps me safe and provides my needs. I am content with the Shepherd-sheep relationship. Praise be to God!

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Thursday, June 3, 2010

God’s Provision and Safety

“My help cometh from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.” --Psalm 121:2, 5

What an incomprehensible thought:
God who made heaven and earth,
Who lifted the mountains above the valleys,
Who bounded the waves of the seas,
Who strung the stars in galaxies unnumbered,
Who made the dry land and peopled the forests with animals,
Who gave man dominion and power over the Creation,
Even He, even He is my keeper,
My shade upon my right hand,
My Companion and Saviour and Friend.

He is never too busy to hear me when I call,
Never too remote to be concerned for my welfare,
Never too busy to radiate care and concern
In infinite ways beyond numbering.

How can my heart respond on this another day
He has given me to rejoice and be glad in?

With gratitude.
It wells up like some overflowing fountain
And eradicates all thirst and want.
With gladness.
Joy unspeakable and full of glory fills my cup.
With awe.
He is Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
He neither slumbers nor sleeps, and He observes my
Going out and my coming in, from henceforth—forevermore!
Selah!

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Tuesday, January 19, 2010