I remember years ago hearing an elderly man in the church we attended at the time, pray this beautiful prayer over the room of people. His words captivated me, as he commissioned us to be bold in our position as children of the King and “to go from this place, knowing that our God is the hedge of protection that is all around us. That He goes before us and behind us every single step of the way.” I loved the imagery the words “hedge of protection” brought to my mind. I think of this simple phrase often – it has brought comfort to me in many scenarios, mostly when I feel alone, or feel as though I’m floundering.
The words were inspired from Psalm 139. Have you read it lately? This chapter, like many others – is a goldmine. I could meditate on just that one chapter an entire year… it has so much goodness packed into it.
“You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” – Psalm 139:5
We are not alone. This is nothing new… anyone who has been in church a short time has heard similar lingo. But have you every meditated on just that one concept?
Like a protector, He has us covered on all sides. We may not know where we’re going, but He does. Encircled around us… He guides us.
When we feel alone, we’re not. The reality is the very thing we might be fighting against – aloneness – is the very thing we need. It’s in the solitude that we’re more attentive to what God is doing in our heart… where we learn His voice and receive His clarity.
The Passion translation phrases the verse this way: “You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness You follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. With Your hand of love upon my life, You impart a blessing to me.”
Not only has He gone before us, is behind us, and is all around us, His Spirit lives in us, and His loving hand is upon us. Walking with Him provides a continual blessing of His presence. We’re never alone.
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