Faith in God that Works – Psalm 125

A Song of Ascents. [1]

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.” Psalm 125:1

In the Nicene Creed, we confess faith in God as “the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.” We know how true this confession is when we rely on God and He helps us.

In Hebrews 11:1-2, it is written, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.”

What is the substance of things hoped for? What is the evidence of things not seen? How do I obtain a good testimony? Faith in God is the answer. Not faith in my faith, but faith in the God of the Bible.

In Hebrews 11:3, it is written, “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”

Where did I learn that God spoke the earth into existence? The answer is in the Bible. The Holy Spirit bears witness to the Word of God that it is true. He helped me to believe and act on the words of the Bible.

I have numerous testimonies from moments in which I believed God, acted on His Word, and everything turned out for His glory. I will share with you one example below.

One day I woke up with fever and dysentery. On top of not feeling well, I had previously committed to witnessing for Christ at a pagoda. To reach the pagoda I would have to walk up hundreds of steps. So, I asked the Lord what to do, and He brought to my mind Luke 17:14 where the Bible says, “as they went they were cleansed.” The Holy Spirit gave me peace in believing that this would happen, and it did. As I started out by faith in Christ, He healed me. I shared the Gospel with a man in front of that pagoda that day and returned home healed.

In Hebrews 11:6, it is written, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

When we act on God’s Word, our action demonstrates to God and those around us that we really believe that He exists and that He does intervene for us who trust in Him.

Confidence in God has made my otherwise shaky life stable and productive. Like Mount Zion, I have been able to remain resolute about serving Him even when the odds seemed against me.

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever. For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous reach out their hands to iniquity.” Psalm 125:2-3

Praise God that He surrounds our faith and keeps it intact against all the attacks of the devil. Thanks to God’s grace and abiding presence in our lives, the devil cannot destroy our faith. As Jerusalem was surrounded by mountains that provided natural protection, so God’s surrounds us with His grace and love. He hides us under the shadow of His wing. [2]

Mountains may eventually wear away, and rocks may be moved from their places, but God’s covenant with us never fails. The promise that we will stand forever speaks of our eternal security. God Himself will surround us forever with His glory and love. [3]

“The scepter of wickedness” may bring suffering. It may affect our bodies, possessions, freedom, families, reputation, or other areas of life. However, it cannot destroy our souls. [4]

Troubles may come upon God’s people, but God will end the suffering in due season. He does not allow us to be tested beyond what we can endure. He will provide a way of escape. [5]

“Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts.” Psalm 125:4

David prayed for those who sincerely seek to do what is right, that is, the upright in heart—those whose faith and goodness are genuine, not merely outward appearances. [6]

“As for such as turn aside to their crooked ways, the Lord shall lead them away with the workers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel!” Psalm 125:5

David describes the judgment of hypocrites and those who turn away from God. He does not take pleasure in the destruction of sinners. He is not praying for their downfall, but he warns that judgment will come upon those who abandon God. [7]

Some people turn away from God because they fear hardship and want an easier life. Instead of trusting in the Lord’s grace and power to help them, they join with sinners. [8]

Sinful paths are crooked paths. Sin seeks to cancel what is right. I heard evangelist Adrian Rogers once say, “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.”

In Matthew 7:21, Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” Those that the Lord welcomed into heaven confessed that they were sinners in need of a Savior. They depended on His grace, His forgiveness, His love and His power to help them serve Him well. Their faith in God brought glory to HIM.

In Matthew 7:23, Jesus said to those who felt good about themselves just the way they were, “Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness! I never knew you.”

The first and great commandment is to love God, and the second commandment is to love one’s neighbor as oneself. Love is of God! Without God’s love in our hearts, our good works are really about pleasing ourselves. People tend to focus on outward appearances, God looks at the heart.

Where is peace? The Bible says, “Peace shall be upon Israel.”

Israel is the place and people where the Word of God became flesh. In a sense, Israel is a reference to God and the Bible because it is the place and it is the people through whom God revealed Himself. So, yes, we want to remember Israel and pray for its peace.

The world is a much better place because of what God did in and through Israel. Any nation and any people through whom God works is a target of the devil’s hatred and attacks. Thus, we should pray for the peace of Israel and for the peace of all the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve who are seeking to serve and honor God.


[1] “The Song of Ascents refers to a specific group of fifteen biblical psalms (Psalms 120 through 134), also known as Pilgrim Songs. They are traditionally understood as songs of journey, temple steps, and returning hope.” – GotQuestions.org

[2-8] Material developed, added to and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary