Holy Hedge

Satan replied, “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has?” (Job 1:10)

The term “hedge” in the Scriptures illustrates God’s supernatural, strategic system of protection for His people from the slings and arrows of the evil one. We wake up each morning and find ourselves centered within the crosshairs of the world, the flesh, and the devil, all seeking to harass us and hinder the work God is doing in us and through us. But our gracious God, who has promised never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), provides “holy hedges” for our protection.

God is our Shield of Protection; He is our Holy Hedge. Here are three passages from the Psalms that reinforce this biblical truth:

Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them sing for joy. Spread your protection over the, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. (Psalm 5:11)

In the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. (Psalm 27:5)

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. (Psalm 34:7)

The story of Job makes it clear that God’s holy hedge around us does not mean that we will never experience the sorrows and suffering of life. Because we live in a fallen and broken world with other fallen and broken people, difficulties and distress are simply part of this life. But we must remember this: if God does not protect us from a storm – He will protect us in the storm. God has promised to be with us in every storm we face and to bring us to the other side of it . . . whether in this life or the next. Because God knows what is best for us all the time, we are to trust in His goodness and receive all that happens in our lives with thanksgiving.

The book of James tells us to receive our trials with joy, because God is using all of them to grow and mature us in our faith as He conforms us to the image of Christ. Believe me, I am well aware that this is not easy, but genuine thanksgiving and joy are the only right responses to the One who laid His life down for us that we might live with Him — not just for eternity, but right now, in our everyday lives.

Look to Jesus. Learn from Jesus. Lean on Jesus! He is in control of everything in your life and has promised to be with you and to protect you.

This is the Gospel.  This is grace for your race.  NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!