A Song of Degrees—Psalm 125
Pilgrims making their way to Jerusalem for one of the Feasts encountered many hardships along the way. The road grew narrow and steep as they neared the City of Jerusalem. The possibility of being accosted by thieves was always a concern. Families traveling with children would have to be especially watchful.
In the same way, we Christians are pilgrims and strangers on this earth, headed for the New Jerusalem! The path of life is narrow, steep, and treacherous, and we must always be on guard for the thief, who comes to steal, kill, and destroy (Jn 10:10). The closer we get to heaven, the more difficulties we’ll encounter in our spiritual journey. Jesus warned that the time of “the last days” will be as it was in the days of Noah when man’s heart was evil and violence filled the earth.
Paul prophesied that the last days would be perilous because of man’s love of himself and his hatred of God. Sound doctrine won’t be endured, but people will seek smooth-talking, ear-tickling teachers to make them feel better about themselves, and the mood of many will be more like, “Don’t worry. Be happy.” Paul, who understood what was to come, wrote: “Therefore . . . be steadfast, immovable . . . abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain . . . ” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Our context is the trek to Jerusalem. The application is that the pilgrims should trust in the Lord while on the way. The takeaway is like a banner that we can hang over our own lives. It’s our testimony, but it must become our belief. It’s a word that defines how we’re to live on this journey. We must be “Immovable.” I don’t mean that in the sense of being stubborn but of being steadfast, trusting in the One “who keeps our soul among the living, and does not allow our feet to be moved” (Psalm 66:9). When the Lord orders our steps, our feet can’t be wrongly moved.
In Psalm 73, Asaph wrote: “Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (vv. 1-3). Asaph continues with his complaint that the wicked don’t seem to experience the struggles that he had even though they were violent mockers of God. They have everything and they get away with everything. They scoff at God, yet their lives are easy. And here’s poor Asaph, “always” being chastened, struggling to live a pure life, but in vain!
But, oh, look at what happens: “It was too painful for me until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. . . . You set them in slippery places; you cast them down to destruction. . . . [T]hey are brought to desolation, as in a moment! . . . Thus my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant . . . like a beast before You. Nevertheless, I am continually with You; You hold me by the right hand, . . . guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? . . . there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:16-26).
This world is not our home! We can’t allow our eyes and minds and hearts to rest upon this place, but we must put our trust and faith in the Lord and remember that in Him we can have peace and be immovable regardless of our situation. God holds us, guides us, and will receive us into glory. He promises to be our strength and portion forever, even when we fail and our feet almost slip. Our position in Christ never changes, and as we keep our eyes upon Him, we’ll find that our status in life will remain immovable.
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