“You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139:5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Yesterday ended like some do with anxiety and questions. When I finally turned off my computer, I picked up my personal phone to find a text from someone that addressed the exact situation I was worried about with a simple sentence:  Don’t stress about that email and I quickly responded with, “how did you know I was stressed??” They knew I would be worried and stressed because they have gotten to know me well over many years as colleagues. 

The Lord reminded me of that interaction this morning as I read through the Psalms – specifically when I read the verse above. 

G-d has me hedged in – completely surrounded – before and behind. He has my back as some might say. And more than that – His hand, specifically His palm, hollow or flat party of the hand, is upon me. I imagine sometimes His hand rests firmly on me and other times more gently – but, His hand is ON me. 

The Hebrew word used in the passage above is the same one used in Exodus 33:22 when G-d covered Moses with His hand before passing by him. Moses wanted to see the Lord’s glory so the Lord hid Moses in the cleft of the rock used the hollow of His hand to cover Moses. 

The hand of the Lord protects and comforts me. His hand lovingly guides and corrects me. His hand is placed loving on me and nothing can change that. It kind of makes my worries and anxieties seem silly in comparison. 

Father – thank You for Your loving hand of protection, guidance and comfort. You are good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen. 

‭‭ Daily Reading: Psalms 131, 138-139, 143-145