“It may look like I’m surrounded, but I’m surrounded by You.”  

The song, “Surrounded,” by Elyssa Smith, is a cherished Sunday-morning stanza among some in my church family.  The lyrics remind us that we are surrounded, indeed. The Bible states that God is not only beside us, but He is covering us, He is our rear guard, and He goes in front of us as well.

     He is with us:  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

     He is covering us:  He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4

     He is our rear guard:  But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. Isaiah 52:12

     He is in front of us:  The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

When we realize God is beside, covering, behind, and in front of us – providing, protecting, prodding, and paving a path for us – it gives us a calm assurance we cannot gain from anything else in this world. 

Problems and enemies that we feel surrounded by will decrease and ultimately disappear in comparison to what we are truly surrounded by – our Almighty God!

When we contemplate God’s steadfast, surrounding presence in our lives, it can surely compel us to enthusiastically sing of the enormous blessing of being enveloped, encompassed, and embraced by our Heavenly Father – to joyfully sing the powerful truth of that song. 

Thank You, God   — “It may look like I’m surrounded, but I’m surrounded by You.”