Psalm 139 is the prayer of one who has an intimate acquaintance with his God, and an appreciation for His loving care. It provides an apt meditation for the Christian today in view of God's omniscience, His omnipresence and omnipotence. He knows all about from before our birth, throughout our lives and on into eternity. Our Creator observes our physical activity, knows our thoughts and hears our words (verses 1-4). He understands everything about our nature and character. How comforting and encouraging to know the God who is described in this Psalm! Therefore it gives us confidence to be aware of the limitations, "hedges," He places behind us and before us for our eternal good.
In the "hedge" behind us He is protecting us from the judgment on our past sins by dying in our place, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1), and, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit" (Romans 8:1). How precious to realize that our sins are remembered no more!
Knowing all things that we will do, or plan to do, He provides for all of our needs. He limits our lives according to His will as we learn and apply His word, so that He may "make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever" (Hebrews 13:21). When we stray, our Heavenly Father "hedges" us by chastening, "For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives . . . now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:6, 11). This experience should constrain us to confess our sins to Him, and when we do, "He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. By such limitations He is accomplishing His purpose for us "to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren" (Romans 8:29), preparing us for eternity in His Presence!
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever. Psalm 125:2.