PSALM 125

Security and Tranquility for a Pilgrim People 

What can believers do when they live in a land ruled by a government that condones wickedness and promotes iniquity as virtue? The answer to this question is found in Psalm 125. The psalmist says that the nation of Israel suffers under the sceptre of wickedness (wicked rulers) (3). The righteous have had to endure the burden of lack of justice upon the wicked and a lack of protection of the innocent. 

During this time of hardship the righteous must trust in the Lord (1). This trust in not people, places, or things. It is a trust in their covenant God. Their security is like Mt Zion in Jerusalem, in which the temple was built upon. My Zion is the place that God chose for His name to dwell on this earth and is secure and immovable. God’s people can count on the Lord’s faithfulness and know that they are secure in Him (2). 

Believers can be encouraged that wickedness will never be so severe that God’s people cannot endure it an give in to it (3). They can resist evil with the strength that God provides (1 Cor 10:13). Brethren, you may be persecuted for your stand for Christ, but you will be able to stand firm. 

God will do good to his people who are faithful to Him (4). This entails an uprightness of heart: living ones life and making choices that are in accord with what is truth and right according to God’s word. 

What about those that turn away from the Lord to give themselves over to the desires of the flesh and of the mind (5)? They will face God’s justice, they will not escape. Yet, know believers, that you will have peace, both now and into eternity.