The Hedge Of Protection

Expanding further on the concept of a trouble filled world and Gods hedge of protection,

A core tension in Christian faith is acknowledging a fallen, broken world while still believing in a God who is both powerful and loving. That is quite a dichotomy.

​The answer lies in understanding the difference between God guaranteeing a trouble-free life and Him providing a hedge of protection within a troubled world.

​Praying for a "hedge of protection" is a powerful act of faith that is rooted in several key theological concepts:

​1. Acknowledging God's Sovereignty and Power

​The phrase "hedge of protection" comes directly from the book of Job. In Job 1:10, Satan complains to God about Job, saying, "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has?"

​This passage teaches us that God's protection is not a passive force; it is an active, deliberate, and sovereign act. When we pray for a hedge of protection, we are not demanding that God act on our behalf. Instead, we are acknowledging that He alone has the power to place a barrier between us and the forces of evil and harm. It is an act of submission and dependence, a recognition that our safety ultimately rests in His hands.

​2. Acknowledging the Reality of Spiritual Warfare

​The Bible teaches that there is a real, unseen spiritual battle taking place. The "disaster and death" that came into the world through Adam's sin are not just random events; they are often the result of spiritual forces of evil seeking to harm humanity and thwart God's purposes.

​Praying for a hedge of protection is a recognition of this reality. It is a specific prayer for divine intervention against spiritual attacks, temptations, and the schemes of the enemy. It's an appeal for God to restrain the influence of evil in our lives, our families, and our communities.

​3. God's Promise to Intervene and Provide in the Midst of Trouble

​While God does not promise to remove all suffering from our lives, He does promise to be with us, strengthen us, and often intervene on our behalf. The prayer for a hedge of protection is a way of appealing to this aspect of God's character. It is a prayer for:

• ​Physical Safety: Averting accidents, protecting us from violence, and providing healing.

• ​Emotional and Mental Health: Guarding our minds and hearts from despair, anxiety, and fear.

• ​Spiritual Protection: Shielding us from temptations and attacks on our faith.

​In this way, the prayer is not an escape from reality, but an act of hope within it. It's a statement that while the world is broken, God is still a loving Father who actively cares for His children and is willing to intervene in their lives.

​Summary:

​The prayer for a "hedge of protection" is not a contradiction of the reality of a fallen world. Rather, it is an essential part of living in it. It acknowledges that the world is dangerous due to sin but affirms that God is greater than the danger. It is a prayer that seeks God's active intervention and provision in a world where trouble is inevitable, trusting that His presence and power can and will shield us from harm according to His sovereign will.