Mountains in the Bible are often symbols of strength and security. Here the psalm writer uses the symbol as a picture of God’s defense of His people. A young man once asked me to play a game of chess with him. We set up the board and in three moves he had a checkmate. I couldn’t believe it. I’m not the best chess player but after setting up the board again I was determined it wouldn’t happen twice. Three moves and guess what took place. Afterwards he explained what I did wrong and why his victory was so quick.

There are times we think we have everything under control, but these can be times of great danger. However, when God is in control that’s a different situation. This psalm describes God’s defense of His people. First

God Himself is our stability and our security. He will defend His people against all enemies both physical and spiritual. We will not be moved because God will not be moved. (Prov 10:25) “As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.” The wicked will disappear like a whirlwind but our foundation is everlasting in the Lord. Paul speaking of foundations said in (1 Cor 3:11) “For other foundation can no man lay that that which is laid which is Christ Jesus.” What peace to know that regardless of circumstances or events, God will keep and protect us by His power and according to His promise. Also, consider this

As mountains surround Jerusalem so God surrounds us. To get to the believer the enemy must get by the believer’s God. He is their protection and safety. (Psa 4:8) “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. “ Paul said, (2 Tim 1:12) “I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” There is nothing that can touch us outside of God’s will. Are you concerned or worried about your situation? You need not be God is right there with you. Jesus said, “Lo, I am with you always.” (Mat 28:20) The think on this

In other words, God will not let the wicked rule over His people to the extent of driving them to wickedness. He will limit the test so they can endure. (1 Cor 10:13) “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man but God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able but with the temptation also make the way of escape that you may be able to bear it.” Someone once said, “ God may allow your faith to be tried that you may see His faithfulness.” Believers are special to God. He has separated them unto Himself. (1 Cor 1:2) says we are “sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints.” We can take heart in these words; we are a special people of God. Finally, reflect on this truth

THEY ARE SUPPLIED (4-5)
“Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts…peace shall be upon Israel”

Note two things God supplies to those that belong to Him. He supplies goodness and peace. God’s provision goes beyond security and protection He promises to meet every need. He supplies goodness. God delights to bless His people with all spiritual blessings (Eph 1:3). Our blessings today come through the Lord Jesus Christ. He also supplies a peace that passes all understanding. Our peace is actually a person. Speaking of Jesus Christ Paul said in (Eph 2:14) “He is our peace.” Do you know the goodness and peace of God? If you know Jesus they are both yours.

I read of a young man who shared his experience growing up on the family farm. His family raised pigs. They had on average a thousand pigs each year. Everyday at four in the morning he’d go out to the field to feed them. One morning he picked up a little pig and began to pet him. Soon the pig wanted down but he kept petting and holding on to him. The little pig suddenly let out a squeal and at that moment thirty mama pigs weighing in at about six hundred pounds each charged onto the scene. The young man barely had time to put the pig down and hop over the fence. The pigs then began to pace and snort daring him to come back into the field. If God’s creatures are that sensitive, how much more so God when His children cry out to Him. While these truths were originally spoken to believing Israel it is obvious they are ours as well today because of the Lord Jesus Christ. He secures, surrounds, sets apart and supplies with His love. God bless.