A Hedge of Protection
If you look a hedgerow or hedge, up in Wikipedia it will explain it is a line of closely raised shrubs and sometimes trees, planted in train to form a barrier or to mark the boundary of an area, such as between neighboring properties. Hedges, or hedgerows are also used two separate a road from adjoining fields or one field from another and they often incorporate larger trees. In the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Low Countries, hedgerows separating fields from lanes have been in existence for more than 700 years. Hedgerows play a very important part of the landscape, especially in the United Kingdom playing a major role in preventing soil loss, reducing pollution, and their potential to reduce flooding. Hedges also play a huge role in providing shelter for smaller animals like birds, rabbits, and insects.
The dictionary defines a hedge as: to enclose or bound, to hem in, to hinder, a means of protection or defense. In 1858 the Farmer’s almanac made the statement: good fences (hedges) make good neighbors, and good animals. Poor fences (hedges) make breachy animals i.e. cattle that like to run through fences.
I like the definition; means of protection or defense. There are many places in the Bible like Deuteronomy 33: 27 which states: The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them. I like the fact that God is our refuge, and protects us against our enemies. That he puts a hedge around us, to keep us safe in the shelter of his love. Unfortunately we are like children with growing pains, we keep trying to climb that protection, out of the safety of the hedge He put around us, wanting to see for ourselves! If we would just, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths, things would be a lot easier. But we are like spoiled children who, instead of listening to their parents, or their Heavenly Father, to keep them safe, want to go and see for themselves what is out in the world, regardless of the cost. Disregarding the safety of the love, and the security of the hearth and home that is surrounding them like a protective hedge, and understanding that their Heavenly Father and parents give to them.
As parents it is our instincts to put a hedge of love and protection around our children, to keep them from hurt, or any other kind of pain. We also know that we cannot be there for them every moment of every day. We need to share this responsibility with our Heavenly Father who can be with them now and throughout eternity, protecting them with his hedge of love. In order to do this they must be children who believe in Jesus Christ. Teach them from a tender age what it means to be loved by God, as written in his love letter to us, “the Bible.”
We as authors put a hedge of protection around our writings, and are often offended when an editor will make corrections. The same is true of the life we build for ourselves, trying to keep safe from the ravages of the world. The only way to do that is through the love of Jesus Christ that protects us beneath the shadow of his wings.
Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
Job 1:10
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
Psalm 91:1-3
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Isaiah 54:17
The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
II Samuel 22:3-4