Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds his people,
from this time on and forevermore. – Psalm 125:1-2
This week marks one year since Hurricane Irma roared through the Caribbean, Florida, and the Southeast leaving death and destruction in its wake. This was the first time I had experienced the great fear and uncertainty a hurricane can bring. Growing up in Tennessee, it was not uncommon to be under tornado warnings a couple times each year, but these came unexpectedly and were over quickly. I found the much longer process of tracking a hurricane to be far more miserable and exhausting. As it began to look more and more like Tampa would take a direct hit from Irma, I slowly began to accept that all my earthly possessions could be lost in the storm. As Taylor and I evacuated to Atlanta with the Gallimores, I spent a lot of time reflecting on God’s protection and where my true treasure lies.
Today’s reading from Psalm 125 reminds us that God is our firm, unmovable foundation and the source of true protection and provision. In a world that is full of political, environmental, and social chaos, only God can make us like immovable Mt. Zion that the currents of change and upheaval cannot wash away. On top of that, God puts a hedge of protection around the faithful just like the mountains that surround the holy city of Jerusalem. While this certainly does not mean that God’s people will not face trials and tribulations, it does assure us that the Lord is always with us, preserving and preparing us for His eternal, abundant life. I’m grateful to God that my family and friends were spared the wrath of Hurricane Irma, but I’m also blessed to have gained a fuller perspective on God’s provision and the importance of keeping my treasure in heaven. May we all be given the grace to trust fully in the Lord today and all the days he graciously gives us!