August 2

"As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people."—Psalms 125:2.

GOD, to the lowly heart that leans on Him, is like the mountains which are round about Jerusalem.

In the mountain there is safety. I am pursued and hunted by principalities and powers, in peril of death, unable to secure my deliverance. But God in Jesus Christ becomes my Fortress and Muniment. I flee to Him, and I am in a sure dwelling, and there is no evil which can befall me now. When I hide myself in the Rock of Ages cleft for me, who is he that condemneth? The Rock itself will crumble ere any harm will come to my soul, so weak in itself, so strong in its Saviour.

In the mountain there is assurance. There ought to be, at least, once I feel that the ground is solid and stable underneath my feet. My sorrow and sighing should flee away. My fears should be scattered. When the Father and the Son and the Spirit are mine, it is as on the morning of Christ's nativity—"birds of calm sit brooding on the charmed wave." From all forebodings and anxieties my Lord means me to be enfranchised.

In the mountain there is everlastingness. My soul is wise when it builds its life-house on the Rock of God's promises, God's grace, God's salvation. The storm will never be able to blow it down. The gates of hell will never prevail against it. Through the chances and changes of my lot, through death, through the long eternity that lies beyond, it will endure, incorruptible, immovable, abiding. "Christ Jesus is the garrison," as Dr. John Duncan said, "and peace is the sentinel."

So let me raise the song which many before me have sung—"For the strength of the hills I praise Thee."