Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:5 “You have enclosed me behind and before, And You have placed Your hand upon me.”

I loved living with shutters in both Germany and France.  They completely blocked out noise and light, making it easy to sleep in!  When a storm came through, it was great to protect the newly washed windows from rain splatters.  During a hot spell, closed shutters kept the house cooler.  And for security reasons shutters were especially helpful.  In fact, some insurance plans would refuse to cover for theft if the shutters were open!  But the best thing about shutters was the sense of privacy they afforded.  I often felt a sense of peace with those shutters closing out the world.

Today’s verse describes just how well God’s Spirit knows me.  He knows when I am sitting, standing, when I go out and when I return.  He knows me so well that He knows what I am going to say before I say it.  Rather than this being an uncomfortable thought, it is a truth that is wonderful.  His thoughts to me are too numerous to count and they are precious (verse 17).  He lays His hand on me in a loving and protective gesture.  Like those shutters, He encloses and surrounds me with His presence and His love.

The world often needs to be blocked out.  Being enclosed in the Lord’s presence is only possible when I retreat from all the noise and activity around me.  To be still and listen to His voice often means turning off all the other clamoring distractions.  It is shutting the door to the room or closet to pray in private (Matt. 6:6).  When I make that effort, He is there, ready to meet me.

Lord, help me to shut out the world today and enjoy Your presence.