Repeated twice for effect, the psalmist called those ascending the Temple Mount to reflect on the many times that Israel was “afflicted” from the time of its “youth,” even to their present day. Yet, Israel still stood. The Egyptians, the wilderness, the Amorites and Philistines —none had “prevailed” against them.
Christ took up that word, “prevailed,” in His response to Peter’s confession, saying, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not ‘prevail’ against it” (Matt. 16:18). Certainly, through the centuries many have thought to prevail against the Church, and even in that time, they thought to prevail against Christ, yet He arose, and the Church has not only survived, it continues to thrive.
All who would follow Christ will know affliction. From the time of their new birth until the time of being called home to heaven, there will be trouble. But the promise of Jesus sustains us, for He has said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).