1 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
    which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
 

2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
    so the Lord surrounds his people
    both now and forevermore.

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.

I read the first sentence and stop. This is how I want to be/feel/live this life – every moment of every day… unshakeable in the Lord because He surrounds me. I just want to stop and stay here – focused on trusting the Lord. And then just breathe. Breathe Him in. Let Him fill every fiber of my being.

Then I read on and am reminded, again, that God is my protector and defender. He has already won the battle. Evil has lost. God’s love prevails. Those who are upright in heart receive His blessing, not because of what they do but whose they are.  Those who have denied our Lord are sadly lost.

I think of moments throughout this last week where I have allowed other things – tasks or situations – to steal my focus. Not good. Suddenly I’m overwhelmed with feelings of daunting responsibility and pressure, and then inadequacy.  Satan so quickly sneaks in to try to discourage and break us down. I’m learning to stop and breathe in the midst of what feels like chaos, and return my focus to the Lord. And God is so faithful! As I lift my eyes to Him, I can feel myself stabilize again – finding a footing on the only solid foundation there is – Christ. I think of the song “On Christ the solid rock I stand” – a hymn of grace.

The last sentence “Peace be upon Israel” is a most powerful and relevant prayer, especially in this day and age.  We must stand by the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people. I am thankful that His peace is available through adoption to gentiles like me. 

Lord Jesus, our mighty King. You are the only source of strength! Help us to find our footing to stand on Your word. Thank you that we can rest in You. Praise you Lord! Thank you Lord!  We lift up the nation Israel to you in prayer that you would continue to protect her. Bless her. We petition in prayer for wisdom for the USA voters as they choose this country’s future leaders. I pray for the candidates, that they would stop to breathe and just focus on You. And if they don’t know you, that they would find you. We lift them up to you that you would meet them in their chaos and ground them in your grace. Thank you Lord. Amen.