THE LORD SURROUNDS

JUNE 25

Psalm 125

Psalm 125:2, “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.”

Psalm 125 uses the imagery of mountains surrounding Jerusalem to illustrate God’s protection over His people. Geographically, Jerusalem is situated on a plateau within the Judaean Mountains, approximately 2,500 feet above sea level. The city is naturally fortified by a series of steep hills and rugged terrain on nearly all sides.

To the east lies the Mount of Olives, a prominent ridge that overlooks the city and provides a strategic vantage point. To the west, the land rises again toward the Judean Hills. The northern and southern approaches to Jerusalem are also bordered by hills and valleys, forming natural barriers that are difficult for invaders to navigate. These elevations forced enemy armies to face narrow paths and steep climbs, hindering swift or large-scale attacks.

This mountainous “ring” around Jerusalem acted as a natural fortress, limiting access points and making surprise assaults challenging. It helped protect the city from many invasions throughout its history by slowing down enemies and exposing them to defenders positioned on higher ground. Spiritually, Psalm 125 compares this protective mountain barrier to how God surrounds and safeguards His people. Just as the mountains physically shield Jerusalem, God’s presence offers enduring security, stability, and refuge.

Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem to protect and secure the city, God surrounds us with His presence and care. He is not only with us but dwells within us through His Spirit (Matthew 28:20; John 14:17). When life feels overwhelming, when the enemy seems close, or when hope for deliverance fades, we can remember that God’s protection is like a strong fortress. His surrounding presence is an unassailable refuge where we can place our trust and find lasting peace.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1

Application Questions: In what ways have you experienced God’s protection like the mountains surrounding Jerusalem during difficult times? When you face challenges or feel overwhelmed, how can remembering God’s presence as a strong fortress change the way you respond?

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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