Security and Stability

Security and Stability by Pastor Gary

The story has been repeated time and time again, an individual expresses their hurt, frustration, and fear of future pain because a trusted friend or guardian has violated the relationship, betrayed their trust, or has left the relationship resulting in feelings of abandonment. In Psalms 125:1-2 we read, “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” (NIV).

God is the center for which we seek. We should trust in the One who will never leave us or forsake us is the key to security and stability. God demonstrated His love for Israel in practical provision. Jerusalem was an amazing city. Set in the center of mountain ranges on a plateau with walls and buildings made of glimmering white limestone. To the Israelite, it seemed an impregnable fortress. It was a visible, tactile, solid proof of God’s provision and faithfulness to His children. He promised He would take them out of slavery, guide them through the desert, bring them to the promise land, and give them an inheritance, and He did it! He was and will be faithful. He is trustworthy.

When we are struggling and life has thrown us a curve ball, instead of looking at that which we do not possess, perhaps it would help us to concentrate on the practical provisions of God. Do we have food, clothing, a roof over our head, and resources? As Americans, no matter how grim the situation, we can do something, if we choose to do it. There is always a recourse.

The Israelites also knew they could trust in God’s providence. Many times the enemies they faced were bigger and stronger than they. God, however, was the great equalizer. Whether it was a confusion God would cause in the enemy camp so that they would turn on each other (Josh 10:10), sending and Angel to take the enemy out while they were sleeping (2 Kings 19:35), or routing their enemies with hornets (Josh 24:12), the children of Israel knew that God was on their side, and He helped them fight their battles. What a beautiful statement, “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.” Jerusalem was set at the center of the mountain ranges of Israel. An opposing army would have to traverse up and down difficult terrain just to get to Jerusalem, making it difficult to get chariots and other large equipment of war to the battlefield. Israel would place their armies at the top of the last range of mountains so the enemy would arrive tired and then have to fight an up-hill battle. When it comes to His children, God does not play fair. He purposefully stacks the deck in our favor. We are surrounded by His favor.

Israel and God had a history. They were the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They knew that God had made a covenant with their forefathers. They were His chosen people. In Christ, their history becomes our history. The old covenant is fulfilled and completed by the new covenant. As God promised Abraham, “through you, and your seed, all the nations of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen 22:18). Our promised inheritance is eternal life in the presence of God. It is in the recognition of God’s practical provision, providence, and covenant relationship that true security and stability can be found. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Ro 8:31). As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the arms of the Lord surround His children both now, and forevermore.