Summer ought to be a season when we’re able to rest well—a time we can spend with the Lord and His goodness. But, oftentimes, we actually fall out of healthy spiritual habits and end up trying to rest from the Lord instead of resting in Him.
That’s why we’ve created the Summer Selah Series. Over 40 days, we’ll be sharing daily devotions during a season where you may not feel very devoted.
Based on excerpts from his book Selah: Devotions From The Psalms For Those Who Struggle With Devotion, Ross Lester, our Pastor of Preaching and West Congregation Pastor, will provide readings from select Psalms, a brief devotional reflection, and some prayer points for each of the 40 days.
Take some time to read Psalm 125. Then, come back and read the following verse again.
“As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds his people,
from this time forth and forevermore.” (Psalm 125:2 ESV)
My parents used to live in a wonderful small city called Boise, Idaho. It is a beautiful place that has its own issues to be sure, but I loved hanging out there. The city is situated in an old volcanic bowl, so it is surrounded completely by snow-capped mountains. Wherever you are in the city and in whatever direction you are looking, you can see the mountains looking back at you. It is weirdly comforting to feel totally surrounded.
The Psalmist says that God surrounds His people just like the mountains surrounding a city. I love this image. It means that, no matter which way I look, God is there.
If I look behind me, He is there—covering all my past sin and rebellion. And with the blessing of hindsight, I am able to see that He was guiding me all along.
If I look in front of me, He is there—guiding my future and leading me towards His plans for my life. I don’t have to fear what is in front of me because He is there.
If I look to the side, He is there—hedging me in and making sure that I don’t stray too far from the path.
So, whatever you are facing today—and I know you may be facing a lot—remember that you are surrounded by your loving Father who is watching over you.
Father God, give me eyes to see how You have surrounded me with Your love, Your presence, Your mercy, and Your faithfulness.
Ross Lester, Selah: Devotions From The Psalms For Those Who Struggle With Devotion (Magnolia, Texas: Lucid Books, 2017)
