May 18, 2023 • Life for Leaders
Scripture — Psalm 125:1-2 (NRSV)
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be moved but abides forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds his people
from this time on and forevermore.
Focus
As we do our daily work, we are not alone. We are not exposed. God is with us. God surrounds us.
Prelude
Psalm 125:2 refers to the mountains that surround Jerusalem. Indeed, around the city of Jerusalem are mountains—though we might call them hills—that are higher in elevation than the city itself. The Mount of Olives, for example, which lies just to the east of the city, is about 250 feet higher than Jerusalem itself.
Pray
Gracious God, today I gratefully embrace the truth of Psalm 125. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so you surround your people. This means you surround me. You guard me. You protect me. You keep me safe. You embrace me with your strong love.
Thank you, God, for surrounding me even when I can’t perceive your presence. In those times, I trust in you. I remember your faithfulness. I affirm what I cannot see.
When I’m facing difficult challenges at work, when I feel overwhelmed and vulnerable, help me to remember that you are surrounding me.
Ponder Throughout the Day
As you work, God is surrounding you.
For Further Reflection
Read all of Psalm 125.
You may also wish to read John 10:1-15.
Banner image by Robert Bye on Unsplash.
Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the High Calling archive, hosted by the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: You’re Surrounded!
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Dr. Mark D. Roberts is a Senior Strategist for Fuller’s Max De Pree Center for Leadership, where he focuses on the spiritual development and thriving of leaders. He is the principal writer of the daily devotional, Life for Leaders, and the founder of the De Pree Center’s Flourishing in the Third Third of Life Initiative. Previously, Mark was the Executive Director of the De Pree Center, the lead pastor of a church in Southern California, and the Senior Director of Laity Lodge in Texas. He has written eight books, dozens of articles, and over 2,500 devotions that help people discover the difference God makes in their daily life and leadership. With a Ph.D. in New Testament from Harvard, Mark teaches at Fuller Seminary, most recently in his D.Min. cohort on “Faith, Work, Economics, and Vocation.” Mark is married to Linda, a marriage and family counselor, spiritual director, and executive coach. Their two grown children are educators on the high school and college level.
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