“I say this about the LORD, my shelter and my stronghold, my God in whom I trust – he will certainly rescue you from the snare of the hunter and from the destructive plague” (Psalm 91:2-3, New English Translation).
I have a weekly visitor at my house that has caused me to install some safeguards. Miss Arabella has now learned to walk, and just off my living room is a stairway to the lower area. I quickly realized that a baby gate was a necessity when the little lady comes calling. I really can’t explain to her why her way is blocked; she wouldn’t understand. I could explain the dangers of stairs, the pain she would feel, the bruises that would take time to heal, but my explanation wouldn’t penetrate her one-year-old mind. Her lack of understanding does not remove the necessity of the gate. Many times in her young life she will hear the word “no” from mom and dad, and it will be for her protection and safety.
I think you already understand where I’m going with this. There are certain things that God “fences off” to keep us safe. Like Arabella, we don’t always recognize the danger of certain actions we may want to take. Sometimes they look enticing and we question why God would say, “No, my child, I don’t want you to do that.” Is He being mean? Not at all. He sees beyond the immediate gratification and knows the end result. He only desires to keep us safe.
Have you ever noticed a fence and wondered why it was built in that particular place? We may think it unnecessary and just a hindrance. But G. K. Chesterton said,
“Don’t ever take a fence down until you know the reason it was put up.”
Today as you go about your daily routine, if you see a fence, pause and say a quick prayer. Thank God for His love that fences us in and holds us safe.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that You are my shelter and place of safety. Thank You for Your love and patience when I don’t understand and ask why. Forgive me for the times I’ve ignored the safeguards You’ve placed in my life. Let my trust in You grow even when I may question the fences You’ve put in my life. I know they are there for my protection.
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