(Job 1:10)
Job was a man who lived uprightly, feared God, and hated evil. Because of this, God blessed him abundantly. He had a large family, great wealth, and a thriving life. But Satan, the accuser, challenged God, saying that Job only served Him because of the blessings and protection that surrounded him.
Satan’s accusation brought up a truth that often goes unnoticed: God places a hedge around His children. Job 1:10 says, “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.” This hedge wasn’t something Job built or even asked for—it was God’s doing. It protected Job, his family, his possessions, and even his work.
Satan couldn’t touch Job until God lifted that hedge. When God allowed the hedge to come down, Job faced unimaginable trials. He lost his wealth, his children, and even his health. But through it all, Job’s faith remained steadfast. This teaches us an important truth: nothing happens to us outside of God’s control.
A Hedge of Protection
As Christians, we should be both thankful and humbled by the fact that God gives us a hedge of protection. We don’t always see it, but it’s there, shielding us from dangers we might never know about. The very fact that you woke up today, that your family is safe, that you have the ability to work and provide, is proof of God’s protective hedge.
The Fear of Losing It
However, the story of Job also reminds us that God can lift that hedge at any time, for any reason. This should instill in us the fear of the Lord—not just fear of punishment but also fear of losing His blessings. It’s easy to take His protection for granted, but Job’s life shows us how fragile everything is without it.
This fear isn’t meant to paralyze us but to humble us. It should drive us to gratitude, knowing that every good thing we enjoy comes from His hand. It should also keep us walking close to God, desiring to live in a way that pleases Him. The Bible says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). Recognizing that He is the source of our blessings should motivate us to honor Him in all we do.
Thankfulness in All Things
When we consider Job’s story, it’s a reminder that God’s hedge is not something we deserve but something He graciously gives. Whether the hedge is up or down, our response should be the same as Job’s: “The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).
Let us live each day with thankfulness for His protection and blessings. And let us walk in the fear of the Lord, knowing that without Him, we have nothing. God’s hedge is a gift. May we never take it for granted.
