Outside my living room window is a thick, lush evergreen bush. It gives me a bit of privacy, protection, and is pleasing to the eye. About arm pit high, I can see out if I am sitting on the couch, but actually–my son tested it when I moved in–people cannot readily see me inside.
Each week, the apartment complex’s landscaping staff come by and clip any leaves that shoot up or out from it. By doing so they ensure the bush keeps it shape, continues to grow thicker, and looks pleasing. Curb appeal.
Gazing at this hedge, I thought of the ways God often hedges me.
Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in? Job 3:23
This green growing bush has taught me the reasons why.
- The Lord hedges me in to protect me against the evil intents of men.
- He hedges me in to provide shelter and privacy from the outside world and it’s potentially sinful influences.
- The bush God plants in front of me keeps Satan from peering headlong into my life.
- God’s bush provides curb appeal. By curbing my tendencies to not follow His plan, others see the appealing results of Him working in my life.
God trims and cultivates this hedge of mercy around me to keep it thick, growing and strong. If anything shoots up on it’s own that is not in His plan, He trims it off. By keeping it at a certain level, it provides me limited insight and vision as to what that plan is. I can view a little bit of what lies before me, enough to let me know if there might be any danger.
God hedges us in by His Word, law and Holy Spirit. Not so much as to confine us, but to hem us in and keep us protected from growing wild and shooting off in our own direction.
Thank you, Lord for keeping me bushed!
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