Monday June 26, 2023

Today is Monday, June 26 and we are studying what the Bible says about security.

I begin a new day prioritizing what is most important – my relationship with God. I quiet my mind and center myself in the presence of the One who loves me – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, guide my steps on this pilgrim journey. Teach me how to make progress in the life of Christian maturity, persevering in the faith and growing in holiness of heart and life. Amen.

I place my trust in God and praise him with the words of Psalm 125, a Psalm of Ascent.

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. Psalm 125:1-2

Pause and Pray

This week’s Psalm of Ascent (Psalm 125) is a song about the security of the Christian life. Our walk is not solitary or precarious. We are not scrutinized by others waiting for a misstep to occur. We are securely residing in a solid fortress, a place of God’s love, protection, strength and encouragement. Because I walk with a God who loves me and wants to help me mature in the faith, I journey with confidence. I surrender myself to the Lord and trust him to guide my steps and keep me from evil. Even when I stumble and fall, God is holding me. I can relax. God is running the show. My life with God is a sure thing.

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore. The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil. Lord, do good to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart. But those who turn to crooked ways the Lord will banish with the evildoers. Peace be on Israel. Psalm 125:1-5

The topography of Israel is one of ascending elevation. Jerusalem is on Mount Zion the highest point in the region and set in a saucer of smaller hills. When the ancient city was established, the surrounding hills provided a protective fortress. Cities needed extensive defense systems to make them safe – walls were constructed, moats were dug, bulwarks were established and safety was found on high ground. The security of the Holy City of Jerusalem is a beautiful illustration of God’s love and care for his people – including me.

Ask: What are the securities and defenses God has provided me in my Christian walk? Have I realized the mighty fortress of God in my life?

Pause and Pray

Blessed and Holy Lord, give me a growing awareness of your surrounding love and protection. I put my trust in you for your power cannot be shaken and your truth endures forever. You are like the solid rock of Mount Zion offering the peace and wholeness for which I long. The wicked, crooked, evil powers of this world have no strength to overcome your goodness. My soul rests secure in the fortress of God. I read the words from Psalm 125 again and listen for the message you have for me.

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore. The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil. Lord, do good to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart. But those who turn to crooked ways the Lord will banish with the evildoers. Peace be on Israel. Psalm 125:1-5

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

As I consider the testimony of this Psalm of Ascent, I imagine the safety and security of a life hidden with God, surrounded by the fortress of his love, and lifted high on the solid mountain of his righteousness. I review the course of my days and consider the places where I am not trusting in God, but trusting in something or someone else. I analyze my circumstances and recognize the instances when I feel insecure or alone. I consider the times when I observe the forces of evil at work – where things are crooked instead of straight. These are the areas I need to turn over to God in prayer and fervently trust in his power and grace.

Pause and Pray

Come, Holy God and surround me in your love. Provide me a secure place to walk with you throughout the course of my day. Remind me that I reside in the shadow of your wings. You watch over all of my steps and are working everything together for good. I place my complete trust in you. Amen.

For you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:7-8 NRSV

I leave this time of prayer in the strength and security of the God who loves me, I go to speak joy and peace into the lives of everyone I meet.

Amen