June 8th

You hem me in—behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me.
Psalm 139:5

Can you imagine how a new mother would see her first baby? She would look at her child with rapt and focused attention. The thoughts and affections of her heart would be totally consumed with her newborn bundle of joy. The mother would steadfastly protect and surround her baby with care, comfort, and protection.

This is a shadow of what God’s love might be like for us as He hems us in on every side to protect us and teach us about Him. We need to remember such a picture to think about how God cares for us every second, minute and hour of the day and night.

This relationship continues through our life because God has laid His hand upon us and refuses to let go. He is constantly guiding us and steering us in the right direction if we do not fight Him or ignore Him. God does this because He wants to keep us from harm and grow in mature love. This kind of love will be what it takes to trust God when the attacks of fear and doubt are in full force. God always triumphs over fear when we call upon His name and trust Him to help us.