I told my grandson to keep close as he and I made a trip to McDonald’s today. It was a bit of an adventure since he walked, and I used my power chair. While crossing streets, I had him hold my hand even though he’s just about outgrown that. And, while walking down the sidewalk, I kept between him and the traffic. I did these things not because I didn’t trust him; I do. Who I don’t trust are the drivers. So, I kept him close to me.
We learn from Psalms 139 that God goes much further than what I did with my grandson. God thoroughly knows me and keeps me constrained (i.e., hemmed in). Take a look at Psalms 139.
Psalm 139:1-6 (ESV)
1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
    and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
    it is high; I cannot attain it.
Hemmed In
If we consider verse six, to be hemmed in behind and before, is the same Hebrew wording for laying siege to a city. God is saying He keeps me on a short leash or a tight rein, just like I did with my grandson. The God of all creation loves me enough to know the words I will say before I say them and knows the truth behind my words. How wonderful; how fearful.
Indeed I need to “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalms 19:14 ESV)
Photo credit: Larry Lamsa on Visual hunt / CC BY
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