"You hem me in behind and before, and
you lay your hand upon me." - Psalm 139:5
This verse was part of our readings on Sunday and it brings such a vivid word picture to mind. It is made all the clearer when you read this insight from Robert Alter, who says that this verse should rather say ... “You set your palm upon me". Of course in Hebrew culture the significance of blessing was very huge and the act of laying a palm on the head of someone else spoke of grace and mercy. It was a great sign of blessing.
And so, as we go about our daily tasks, let us remember that our Lord chooses to lay his palm upon our heads in a sign of peace and love. He desires to bless us and not to curse us. The additional statement that reminds us that God 'hems us in' then doesn't seem to be as scary - it is news of God's favour - the ultimate Good News.
"To give someone a blessing is the most significant affirmation we can offer." - Henri Nouwen
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/blessing
Living in Grace
D3LM3
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