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He's Got My Back!

There are some word pictures that have been bringing me encouragement and peace and yet I feel like I am only scratching the surface of them.  They can be seen in Psalm 139 and Isaiah 52:

You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.  (Ps 139:5)

For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight, for the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.   (Isa 52:12)

The phrase “You hem me in, behind and before”, means that God completely surrounds us.  And in the context of this verse, it suggest guarding a valuable object.

The phrase “and lay your hand upon me” points to the Biblical picture of the laying on of hands.  The laying on of hands was a significant act, often associated with blessing, commissioning, or imparting authority.  In this case, it represented the hand of God bringing blessing by directing and sustaining.

The phrase “for the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard” assures that God not only leads us but also protects us from behind.  The Bible Hub website notes this:  “This dual coverage—front and rear—pictures complete security. The believer’s past is forgiven, the future planned, the present surrounded.”

A New Testament corollary is found in Hebrews 12:2 that describes Jesus as both the author and finisher of our faith.    

In addition, the Apostle Paul wrote this:  “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil 1:6)

It’s such an encouragement to know that the One who began our spiritual journey will keep it secure from beginning to end!


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