Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. 2As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever. —Psalm 125:1-2

This psalm is a psalm of trust, as we see in the first verse. Those who trust in the Lord will be like Mount Zion, which not only can’t be moved but will abide forever. The Holy City that is surrounded by the mountains illustrates the safety that we have when we trust the Lord. What does this mean? Well, Psalm 32:10 tells us that mercy surrounds those who trust God. Psalm 34:8 says that the man who trusts in the Lord is blessed. The author of Proverbs 16 says that happy is the man who trusts in the Lord (v. 20). Proverbs 28 says that he who trusts in the Lord will prosper . . . will be delivered (vv. 25-26). And Proverbs 29 says that whoever trusts the Lord will be safe (v. 25). What is the mechanism that makes this blessedness, happiness, prosperity, and safety a reality? Trusting in the Lord!

So, in this season of rampant corruption where good is called evil and evil good, where murdering a child days before its due date is applauded as a good political stance, how do we get to that place of blessedness and the rest? How can we trust when we see that the things that God has forbidden are the very things that qualify one to be nominated to the Supreme Court? Where do we find trust when Christians are martyred daily by murderers who are financed and protected by their own government? How can we live an immovable life in such a time as we live now? Remember this: no spiritual or earthly powers are greater than our God! If we trust in this truth alone, we can live as if we are surrounded by mountains of safety, in a city of mercy, blessedness, happiness, and prosperity. But what about the innocent people who are being killed all around us? Remember this: “For to me, to live is Christ, to die is gain. But if I live on in this flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:21-24). Paul, when faced with arrest, chains, and tribulations, wrote, “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy . . . ” (Acts 20:24).

According to the historian Eusebius, Paul was about to be beheaded by Caesar Nero, and yet Paul considered that being with the Lord was far better, although to remain was more necessary for the people. Christian martyrs today are now in a far better place, safe with Christ, and God only permitted their deaths for that very reason. Heaven is a far better place than earth. “To live is Christ, to die is gain,” said Paul. Although we know that heaven is better, we’ll be here on earth as long as God determines—no more and no less. Everyone who is in heaven now got there through death except for Enoch and Elijah, who were supernaturally translated into heaven. And we can even dare to hope for the same!

While we wait to go there, we must remain here and not be moved, no matter how much wickedness surrounds us. Through the Lord we can be immovable. Nothing is greater or stronger than our God. He will win the battle, and He is coming to fight very soon!

Excerpt from “Beside Still Waters” now available on Amazon.

BARRY STAGNER