My pilgrimage to Jerusalem required perseverance. Even while riding on the tour bus, I felt the incline as we made our way up from the Dead Sea to Jerusalem. Seeing the city in all its splendor from miles away is magnificent. I imagined what it might have been like for pilgrims carrying their supplies and guiding children up the steep pathways in the time of Jesus. Jerusalem, also known as Zion, is a city on a steep hill.

Once we left the bus, the climb continued to the Temple Mount. Good walking shoes were my most essential item, along with my floppy hat to shield me from the blazing sun. However, every steep step was worth it. There is something profoundly moving about setting foot in such a sacred place.

Psalm 48 speaks of this exact location.

1Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain, 
2 beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King.
3 Within her citadels God has made himself known as a fortress.
(Psalm 48:1-3 ESV)

Protection

When this psalm was written and the city’s “beautiful elevation” spoken of, the people took comfort in observing the substantial advantage of protection and visibility. It is harder to get to, and the citizens could see what might be coming their way at a great distance. God, their fortress, had protected the city from enemy invasions for generations. For people who had experienced many wars, this psalm gave them hope and peace. Sadly, the rebellious behavior of future generations would change this situation.

In what areas of your life do you need to seek the Lord’s protection? Most of us are not living in times of war, but many of us experience attacks from the enemy of our souls. Do you need to spend time fleeing to God’s fortress, His presence?

4 For behold, the kings assembled; they came on together.
5 As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight.
6 Trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in labor.
(Psalm 48:4-6 ESV)

Many kings joined in efforts to overcome the city, but just seeing it was enough for them to recognize their potential defeat. They became weak and shaking. God’s presence with His people defeated enemies that sought to attack Jerusalem. His people didn’t even have to fight.

In what areas of your life do you need a battle fought by the Lord and not by you? What do you need to give to Him?

7 By the east wind you shattered the ships of Tarshish.
8 As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God, which God will establish forever. Selah
(Psalm 48:7-8 ESV)

The Lord of Angel Armies

Jeremiah prophesies about this destruction, “Like the east wind I will scatter them before the enemy. I will show them my back, not my face, in the day of their calamity.” (Jeremiah 18:17 ESV) God controls the weather. His raised hand can destroy an onslaught of enemy ships.

The LORD of hosts, the name the psalmist uses in this section, speaks about how God is the leader of angel armies. He commands them to fight our battles and destroy those who come against us.

In what areas of your life do you need angel armies to fight your battles or defend you or someone you love?

9 We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple.
10 As your name, O God, so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.
Your right hand is filled with righteousness.
(Psalm 48:9-10 ESV)

His Steadfast Love

Focusing on God’s steadfast love in His temple leads to waves of praise. While I can praise the Lord anywhere, there is something about attending church and being with the body. As I praise God and dwell on His goodness in the sanctuary, I think more and more of what He has done. I hear others give Him thanks, and it is contagious.

During a worship song on Sunday at my church, we sang about how God reigns as I found myself repeating the chorus containing that phrase, the power of those words washed over my mind and heart. Peace filled me.

Can you take some time at church to focus your mind on God’s steadfast love?

11 Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments!
12 Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers,
13 consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation
14 that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever. 
(Psalm 48:11-14 ESV)

Eternal Guidance

In the final section of this psalm, an absolute treasure trove of encouragement can be found. As a women’s ministry leader, hearing that the daughters of Judah rejoice because of God’s judgments reminds me of God’s sovereign ability to right the wrongs of this world once and for all.

Verse 13 reminds me to “tell the next generation” of the Lord. As a more mature leader who has earned some silvery streaks in my hair, I am uniquely positioned to take every opportunity to mentor younger women leaders.  

I am called to remind them and everyone about how God will guide us forever. His wisdom and direction have no expiration date. Biblical principles for living are not situational or trendy. They stand the test of time and go on into eternity.

Where do you need this kind of eternal guidance right now?

Prayer

Lord, thank you for all your provision, protection, and guidance. Please help me to tell the next generation about all You do, have done, and will continue to do.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.