Imagine you are a Jewish pilgrim, some 2700 years ago, heading up to Jerusalem for the Passover. Up ahead, upon the mount called ‘Zion,’ towers the ancient and mighty fortress city of Jerusalem. The sight is inspiring and the stories of the scores of armies that had tried unsuccessfully to penetrate its great walls immediately come to mind. Then you remember the words that you were taught by the Levite singers in Psalm 125: “Those who trust in the LORD will be like Mount Zion which can never be shaken.” This song was written for pilgrims such as you at this time. It was to remind you, as you looked upon the impenetrable city, that, if you trusted in God, you also would be an impenetrable fortress. It also reminded you of God’s purpose for this world and the certainty of its fulfilment. The sceptre of evildoers will one day be replaced by the sceptre of God. The psalm follows the common pattern of declaration and prayer. The psalmist declares the certainty of God’s purpose and then prays in accordance with that purpose. The prayer is like a spiritual step up into that purpose. It is not so much a gesture of calling God down, but a gesture of stepping up. Before you pray for a situation, remind yourself of God’s purpose and his promises. Then let your prayer be like a step up into God’s purpose. This is what it means to live by faith. It is not expecting God to live in your purpose. Faith involves your choice to live in his purpose. With this faith you can walk forwards with full assurance.
Remind yourself of God’s priority today and pray that his will be done.
Read Psalm 125.
