Blessed Encouragement—Psalm 139 Musings

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

     If you have ever felt hemmed in by problems, Psalm 139 brings dramatic relief and helpful perspective. God's protective, caring presence is closer to you than your own breathing. I believe this is the most wonderful and wonder filled truth in the entire Bible. When life is especially difficult, a holy reminder of this divine truth can become an unexpected source of blessed encouragement.

     Such extravagant and unconditional divine Love surrounds you at every angle. Hatred, evil, gross injustice and oppression, privation and want, circumstances that defy description, catastrophic events, personal illness or loss of fortunes cannot alter this unshakable truth. You are hemmed in, before and behind, by divine Love.

     As you go about your daily routine, whenever you feel hemmed in by pressures and challenges beyond your control, remember God is with you, surrounding you from every angle with holy presence. Therefore, allow feelings of fear, helplessness, discouragement and despair to dissipate in the wind. Rather, trust the Holy One who surrounds you so thoroughly with loving, protective presence.

     Although the richness of Psalm 139 is too wonderful for any human being to fully understand in their limited lifetime, it is worth pondering again and again. If you have a few minutes, try writing today's verses in your own words as part of your prayer. Memorize phrases and sentences to carry in the chapel of your heart.

     Take time to remember how God has guided you through past difficulties. Perhaps you have had moments when holy presence felt palpable. Praise God for those blessed memories and renew your strength for another day, secure in the knowledge that you are not alone.

     Whenever troubles hem you in, you can be secure in knowing God cannot and will not be shaken away from your side. You are hemmed in by a Power far greater than any evil known to humankind. You are hemmed in by divine Love. In the end, Love always wins.

     "You are around me on every side; you protect me with your power. Your knowledge of me is too deep, for you knew me before I was born and this is beyond my understanding." (Why, O Lord? Psalms and Sermons from Namibia by Reverend Zephania Kameeta, published by the World Council of Churches, 1986, page. 49.)

     In conclusion, an old Gaelic blessing comes to mind: "And may the LORD hold you in the hollow of his hand."

Prayer: Hem me in tightly with your comforting presence everywhere I go, O God. Hold me securely in the hollow of your hand. May your loving presence bring blessed encouragement throughout Zimbabwe. Amen.

Written by Rev. Dr. Sandy Bochonok
http://soulfoodministry.org
January 21, 2003
Permission is given to freely distribute this reflection throughout Zimbabwe, along with all resources posted on http://soulfoodministry.org.