God Has Our Back - Beth Fortune

"You hem me in – behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me." Psalm 139:7

I was stuck, paralyzed with fear. I had gone as far as I could while carrying a 30-pound backpack, walking on blistered feet, and fighting scratched arms and hands. But I had to move. I couldn’t stay.

Terrified, I looked at my options. Ahead of me, the side of a rock that I had to scale. Behind me, the grove of tree limbs and roots that hid the drop-off I knew was waiting below. The other hikers in the group were either ahead of me coaxing me upward, or behind me encouraging me onward. I was truly stuck and fear had its grip on me.

I have often thought of the terrifying time I experienced on the side of that mountain. Holding to the spindly seedling with my foot forced in the crack of a rock, I looked at the drop behind and the steep climb before me. I had no choice but to put my confidence in the other hikers. Since that experience I have learned that in life we may have mountains before us we must climb. Sometimes in the middle of the climb, we get stuck, paralyzed with fear. We’ve gone too far to turn back, but what lies ahead is more frightening. The fear and anguish can stop us short. But no peace can be found while hanging on the side of a mountain in total fear.

With help and encouragement, I managed the climb to the top. Since then I have endured a variety of “mountain” experiences, however, the peace that comes from knowing God is with me helps keep the fear away.

Next time you find yourself stuck on the side of a mountain paralyzed with fear, remember, God not only has your back, He has you completely hemmed in—He is behind you, and before you. And, if you rest in this fact and are very still, you may actually feel His hand as He lays it upon you.


Beth Fortune is from Simpsonville, SC and has a passion for God’s Word. Having served for over 15 years in different capacities of the ministry alongside her husband, she now uses her experiences to teach, lead, and encourage others in their walk with the Lord. She is a freelance writer who has written Bible studies, devotionals, and articles for church and school newsletters. Beth is a speaker for retreats and women’s groups and is actively involved in her church where she serves as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and leads a variety of Bible Studies. She and her husband are empty-nesting with 3 married children, 4 grandchildren and a daughter in college. Read Beth's devotions.