Be a FENCe

I remember the first time I truly paid attention to the phrase 'Jesus Be a Fence.' It was in a powerful gospel song, the kind that really sticks with you. I might have even seen the lyrics highlighted, much like you see in a video display, perhaps from a performance by artists like Fred Hammond & RFC. The idea of Jesus literally being a 'fence' around me immediately sparked my curiosity. What did it mean? Was it a physical barrier, or something much deeper? This profound spiritual prayer, 'Jesus Be a Fence,' isn't about a literal, wooden fence, of course. It’s a beautiful metaphor for divine protection and spiritual safeguarding. When we pray for Jesus to be a fence, we are asking Him to create a protective barrier around us, our loved ones, our homes, and our minds. This fence serves as a shield against negative influences, temptations, spiritual attacks, and the general anxieties and worries of the world. It’s a plea for God’s unwavering presence to guard and surround us, keeping us safe within His will and away from harm. While the exact phrase 'Jesus Be a Fence' isn't found verbatim in the Bible, the concept of God's protection is deeply woven throughout scripture. Think of Job 1:10, where Satan himself acknowledges that God had 'put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has.' This 'hedge' is essentially a fence, a divine boundary. Other scriptures provide similar reassurance: Psalm 125:2 says, 'As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.' Proverbs 18:10 reminds us, 'The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.' These verses collectively paint a picture of God's active, encircling protection, which is precisely what we invoke when we pray for Jesus to be our fence. Many of us ask, 'How do I build this fence all around me everyday?' It's a continuous, conscious act of faith and prayer. It means inviting Jesus into every aspect of our lives – our decisions, our thoughts, our interactions, and our environments. By intentionally seeking His guidance and protection each morning, throughout the day, and before we rest, we reinforce this spiritual barrier. It’s about setting boundaries against what is not of God and relying on His strength to uphold them. This daily commitment transforms the phrase from a simple prayer into a living, active shield that guides our paths and guards our spirits. For me, understanding and embracing 'Jesus Be a Fence' has been incredibly empowering. In times of uncertainty or when faced with difficult situations, this prayer has brought a profound sense of peace. It's like having an invisible, powerful guardian constantly at work, deflecting what tries to penetrate my inner peace and well-being. It reminds me that I don't have to face life's challenges alone; I have a divine protector. It’s a prayer that builds resilience and faith, helping me to navigate a complex world with greater confidence and spiritual clarity. To truly make this prayer a part of your life, I encourage you to meditate on its meaning. Think about what specific areas of your life need protection. Is it your peace of mind, your family relationships, your finances, or your spiritual walk? Offer that up in prayer, asking Jesus to be a fence around those areas. You can also find inspiration in gospel music that features this theme, letting the powerful lyrics reinforce your faith. Remember, this isn't about fear, but about faith – faith in a God who loves us deeply and desires to keep us safe and flourishing within His protective embrace. Let your daily prayer be a request for that divine fence, and watch the peace it brings.