The psalm is a song of ascent calling for God’s people to trust in Him as the wicked are trying to rule Israel. He is certain that God would not let it happen.

In verse 1, he says, “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.” A person who trusts in God steadfastly would not be shaken easily or moved like Mount Zion. However, it is not based on his faith in God, but God will protect him from falling under the stress and pressure of his enemy’s attack.

This is further described in verse 2. “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.” God is protecting His people like the mountains surrounding the city of Jerusalem from now till the end of time. This was the certainty and steadfastness of his faith in God.

Thus, in verse 3, he says, “For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous stretch out their hands to do wrong.” He says that the wicked can never hope to take the land God has given to them. God will protect their land, and He will protect them. They can trust God, who will fight their battles on their behalf.

He then appeals to God in verse 4 to, “Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts! It is also a prayer of affirmation of his faith that God will work all things for good for those who love and trust in Him.

On the other hand, those who turn to trust themselves will be judged by God together with the evildoers. In verse 5, “But those who turn aside to their crooked ways the Lord will lead away with evildoers!” He ends the prayer by calling for God to grant, “Peace be upon Israel!”

In the face of an apparent threat against us, how would you respond? Will you exhibit faith in God or fear of your circumstances or enemies? Are you confident that God will protect you? Are you confident that He will surround you like the mountains that surrounded His holy city, Jerusalem? Are you so confident that God would not let your enemies prevail against you?

Is your confidence so strong that you would not take matters into your own hands? Or succumb to the temptation to repay evil with evil against your enemies. Do you believe that God will fight the battle for you, and you do not have to fight it yourself? Are you able to remain upright and do what is pleasing to God, who will work all things for good for you?

Do you believe that God will judge those who turn to trust themselves or act wickedly like the evildoers? Do you seek peace and to act in peace instead of war?

Let us trust in the Lord and act like Him, who did not seek to return evil with evil against those who persecuted Him. Jesus prayed that God would forgive them for their ignorant behaviors and actions.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, forgive me of my evil thoughts and inclinations to seek revenge instead of peace. Grant me a forgiving spirit to seek to honor and please You by the way I respond to those who want to hurt or harm me.