According to a recent Gallup poll, Americans have a smaller amount of trust in the Federal government, the criminal justice system, the police, and big business than at any other time in the last thirty years. Only 16% place a lot of confidence in newspapers, and just 11% feel the same way about TV news. So, where can we find firm footing in such uncertain times?

The psalmist would have us look to the Lord. In fact, he says that those who trust in God, singing this Song of Ascents as they head up Mt. Zion to worship at the Lord’s Temple in Jerusalem, would be just as steady and immovable as the mountain which they were climbing.

But that wasn’t the only lesson the psalmist drew from geography. After all, Zion wasn’t the only mountain visible from the City of David. There were six other mountains which surrounded the city, including the Mount of Olives to the east. The psalmist concluded that just as Jerusalem was surrounded by hills, so the Lord surrounds His people, protecting them (verse 2).

And what is the result of God’s presence among His people? The psalmist appeals to God’s justice, begging Him to do good to those who align their lives with His good and perfect will (verse 4). And because the Lord surrounds and undergirds His people, the psalmist is convinced that, far from gaining the upper hand over the righteous and forcing them into sin (verse 3), the wicked will eventually be led away and given their just reward (verse 5).

So let’s build our lives on the Rock of Ages, Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:24-25). For by His cross and empty tomb, He has proven that He is able and willing to protect us, even from the worst of our enemies: even from death and Hell. Yes, no matter how chaotic or confusing the world may seem, Christ Himself is our firm foundation, the One Who will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

Psalm 125 (NASB)

A Song of Ascents.
Those who trust in the LORD Are as 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 upon the land of the righteous; That the righteous may not put forth their hands to do wrong.
4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, And to those who are upright in their hearts.
5 But as for those who turn aside to their crooked ways, The LORD will lead them away with the doers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel.