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Where to Find Safety in This Crazy World

July 25, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.” Psalm 139:5-6

In yesterday’s reading and devotion, we acknowledged the inherent need within all of us to be known, understood, and loved. Today’s passage reveals another need within human beings – the need to feel safe. Because of this need, we have locks on our doors and gates around our homes. Every one of us longs to feel protected and secure.

King David was no exception. Though he had soldiers surrounding his palace and borders, the threats of a foreign invasion or of internal revolt and strife remained ever-present. David appreciated and depended upon his military assistance, but he looked to an even stronger force – the Lord himself.

Exclaiming that the Lord hemmed him in, King David was describing the Lord creating a protective barrier around him. Nothing could come to David without first passing through the Lord. He then wrote the Lord surrounded him, and the Lord’s hand rested upon him.

As I read these words, I think of a young child or baby resting in his father’s arms. I recall pictures of my daughter as a newborn. She literally would curl up on her father’s neck and sleep. She knew she was loved and secure with him.

The Lord would have you know that same sense of love and security with him today. Just as he provided a protective barrier and covering for King David, so he does for you today. You are that precious to him; you are worthy of his care and protection, because he loves you with a perfect and steadfast love.

Will you join King David in marveling at God’s love and care for you: “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it” (verse 6). While you may not see the protective barrier surrounding you or the hand of God covering you, you can rest in the assurance God has you and will never let you go. No matter what comes your way, the loving hand of God upholds you.

Reflection:

When life is hard and seemingly out of control, remember who is behind you and before you. Remember the hand that is upon you and rest in the security that God has you and will never let you go. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Let's face it, the Christian life is hard. Relationships take work. Christians forget. Sometimes it is tempting to go back to the days when God was not the center of our lives - to backslide. We are all faced with tremendous pressures to drift away from intimacy with Jesus and the community of the Church. However, the Lord invites us to pay attention, to move forward, to draw near, and to live lives of worship. Draw Near: Hebrews on Christian Worship is a small group Bible study on the Book of Hebrews intended to lead participants into a deeper intimacy with the living God in the context of New Testament worship. Draw nearer to God in authentic worship today!