God Surrounds You

Every so often a Bible verse presents a visual image that sticks like glue to my sanctified imagination.

Psalm 125:2 is one of them:

“Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, both now and forever.”

This verse, especially with its use of the word ‘surround,’ has become a favorite in my prayers.

Asking God to surround us

My husband and I faced a major decision this week. As I considered the ramifications, I asked God to surround us with His protection, preventing us from doing anything contrary to His purposes.

When I pray for my kids and grandkids, I ask God to surround them with His lovingkindness and protection from the evil one.

When I receive emails from readers who are going through difficult experiences, I pray for God to surround them with His compassion and a tangible evidence of His presence in their lives.

To be everywhere around something

The Cambridge English dictionary defines surround as “to be everywhere around something.” Isn’t that beautiful?

The Lord surrounds His people both now and forever. He is everywhere around us. Nothing can touch us unless He parts the way and allows it. If He allows suffering to touch us, then He surrounds us with mercy and strength as needed. If injustice touches us, then He surrounds us with assurance that He is our Defender and will someday set everything right.

I’ve breathed many personal sentence prayers using the word ‘surround:’

Praying this way floods me with peace.  

PS: I thought you might enjoy these photos of the mountains surrounding Jerusalem.