You Hem Me In

"I feel like no matter where I go or what I do, every door closes."

This past week, talking to my dear counselor, I shared this very sentiment rather angrily. I desired good things: making young friends, attending church events, even getting to see my mother on Mother's day of all things. But every time something came up, a door closed and I was unable to attend these things for one (good) reason or another. Each door in my face was a tick in my impatience. Up and up it went until I'd had enough and I demanded answers!

Psalm 139:5 says, "You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me."

In the way that my counselor explained it, which brought such clarity to my situation, the Lord is hemming me in--into this season, this stage of life, this trial or obstacle or victory. Each attempt and fail or success is a stitch of his in the great work His plan. And the great news is that His hand is over me. Though I feel constrained to a tiny box I barely fit in, His hands covers me, and it is with every step that he planned for me to be here. So now when I face rejections or the absence of time in my schedule, I can fully trust that God knows; He planned it to be so.

After hearing this, I felt the chords in my heart snap free. No longer was I restricted to my circumstances, but I had full freedom over my situation. Here, in my little box, I had an opportunity to learn, to grow, to trust in God and rely on His word, to share this good news with friends and family, and so on. How sweet and great is this blessing!

Photo by Sydney Rae on Unsplash