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^3 The scepter of the wicked will not remain
    over the land allotted to the righteous,
for then the righteous might use
    their hands to do evil.

^4 Lord, do good to those who are good,
    to those who are upright in heart.
^5 But those who turn to crooked ways
    the Lord will banish with the evildoers.

Peace be on Israel.

Psalm 125

I don’t know about you, but Psalm 125 gives me a joy I can’t explain. Feelings of confidence and relief begin to well as I read those first words, then my heart warms with the thought of God’s protective barrier surrounding me, and knowing the Lord of Hosts has my enemies under control brings peace.

But the Psalm doesn’t leave me without responsibility. Though many would like to boast the promises of God, few understand each blessing comes with a bit of duty.

I never want to get tangled up in the rules of religion again. So, I don’t want this post to turn into “The Five Hundred Things You Have to Do if You’re A Christian.” You’ll find enough of that kind of legalism elsewhere. Nevertheless, to expect the blessings of the Father to fall all over you without attempting to follow Him doesn’t line up with scripture.

God gave Psalm 125 to a few specific people.

1. It’s for those who trust him. – Did you see that in verse one? Those who trust Yahweh will stand strong like a mountain even in the most difficult trials. Unfortunately, many lose hope and feel like they have no strength when life comes at them. And while I’ll never ask someone this question while they’re going through the rough times–because that would be cruel–our lack of strength begs the question, “Did you fully trust Jesus when life was good?”

   Sometimes when life offers smooth seas, we feel indestructible. During those times it’s easy to back off on our Bible Reading and let our prayer time slip. We feel like we can handle life, so we do. But we have to practice trusting God when things are good, so that when the storm hits–and it will–we can stand strong. Because only those who trust God can have mountain-like strength.

2. It’s for God’s People. – Have you asked Christ to be your Savior? Do you live like you appreciate the flogging He took on your behalf and the fact He allowed them to pound your nails into His wrist and His feet? I hate legalism and rules. I will never tell you what appreciation for Christ (or trusting God completely) looks like. But you know in your heart whether you’ve been broken because you can’t believe someone would suffer that much for you or you’re playing the game of Christianity. Don’t play. The promises are for God’s people.
3. It’s for the Righteous. – Honestly, you can’t have this or the first in my list without #2. If you are truly God’s people, you are righteous. I can’t be righteous without the blood of Christ, and once I’ve accepted the blood of Christ and I begin living in appreciation for that blood, I am righteous. Not because of anything I’ve done, but because Jesus made me that way.

If you’ve never truly accepted Christ as your Savior, talk to your pastor or e-mail me. I’d love to help (and so would your pastor)! You’ll find step-by-step details on this page of my website. I write because I want everyone to experience all the blessings and abundance Jesus came to bring! I want you to have Psalm 125 confidence and joy, the kind of confidence and joy that comes only from trusting in the One who loves you more than you can imagine!

Before you go . . .
If you’d like a fiction read to help you find freedom
Check out Adira: Journey to Freedom
Nehemiah’s niece struggles with her faith. She feels abandoned by God.
But when she discovers the truth of trusting her Creator
she find her way home.