Read Psalm 125

This Psalm, while speaking of another means of God's help for the pilgrim, has a rather interesting perspective.  For the 2nd time in the Pilgrim Songs the mountains around Jerusalem are mentioned.  But unlike Ps. 121 where the imposing hills represented the difficulties awaiting the Psalmist as he travels to Jerusalem, here they illustrate God's provision of a refuge for His people.  The same mountains that intimidate those who wish to approach Jerusalem provide a refuge for those already in Jerusalem.  So perhaps if you are in a difficult time you might consider your perspective.  In this Psalm you will see God's help as He surrounds you with His strong arms.

Notice that in the 5 verses of this short Psalm the source of the pilgrim's protection is mentioned four times: it is the LORD, Yahweh.  This is the covenant name of God which signifies His faithfulness to Israel.  Thus His role as refuge is based solely on the faith of the pilgrim (v1).  It is for those who trust in the Lord, not those who seek to work for or earn or merit this protection. 

In what sense is God our refuge?.  It is not that He shields us from troubles, nor does He always work a miracle to get us out of trouble.  What the Psalm says is that we are like Jerusalem in 2 ways: we cannot be shaken and we are surrounded by mountains.  Jerusalem is not dwarfed by mountains; only Olivet is higher.  But the mountains are formidable to approach and the resulting ravines create sheer cliffs for any army seeking to attack Jerusalem.

Thus we are told first that the Lord surrounds His people (v2). Ps. 34:7 reiterates this: The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him.  The story in 2 Kings 6:8-17 illustrates this.  The eyes of Elisha's servant were opened to see the army of the Lord surrounding the city.

Second we are told that the Lord will limit evil (v3).  God has certainly allowed evil in His creation; but He will always keep His people from being in a situation where they must reach out their hands to iniquity.  This reminds us of 1 Cor. 10:13 again:

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

The pilgrim's need is to trust the Lord.  He will be his Refuge!