“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7, ESV)
God watches you a lot! God knows from whence you are coming and where you are going (Psalm 121:8). We know that God watches over the righteous, but Jeremiah 44:27 hints that God also guards against those who do evil, to direct judgment upon them. The Lord has a special place in HIS heart for travelers, widows, and orphans. Psalm 146:9 mentions that the Lord watches over their care. Psalm 127:1 remarks how God watches over entire cities, protecting the faithful in them. Many scriptures speak of God’s ability to keep an eye out for good and evil. To help the Lord God in watching over all of creation, angels are sent out to fulfill God’s word.
In a dream, Jacob saw angels coming and going from Heaven busy watching over the earth (Genesis 28:12). In the book of 1 Kings, an angel kept Elijah alive in the wilderness. Angels defended Israel when the armies of the warring Assyrians attacked, killing one hundred and eighty-five thousand in one night. An angel told Mary of Jesus’ birth. An angel saved Peter when he was imprisoned. The book of Revelation mentions that angels will lead way during the end times. Hebrews 13:2 even warns Christians to watch for angels among us. There are more than four hundred references in the Bible to the work of angels in our world.
Recently, I met a Christian woman who surprised me. She said that in her understanding, angels and demons lived long ago in the minds of those who were less intellectual. She explained that angels and demons are just figments of the imagination. They are dreamed up by people with simpler minds. Her view of God and the Bible had no place for evil or good spirits. I don’t know what Bible she was reading, but as stated above, there are hundreds of stories in the Bible of angels doing God’s work. Even today, many Christians have felt or seen the presence of angels.
The famous Captain Eddie Rickenbacker flew a B-17 bomber in World War Two. During a harrowing flight, his bomber ran out of fuel over the Pacific Ocean. Rickenbacker and his crewmen were able to ditch in the water, then get to safety in a lifeboat that was stowed aboard. However, nobody knew where the bomber had gone down. The men wallowed on the ocean for days and days. Hunger and thirst took hold. Back in the United States, word was shared that Rickenbacker and his crew were missing. Thousands of people prayed.
After twenty-four days, Rickenbacker and his crew were found and rescued.
Sometime later, Rickenbacker was asked how he survived. This is his account given to Rev. Billy Graham:
““This part I would hesitate to tell,” he wrote, “except that there were six witnesses who saw it with me. A gull came out of nowhere, and lighted on my head—I reached up my hand very gently—I killed him and then we divided him equally among us. We ate every bit, even the little bones. Nothing ever tasted so good.”
This gull saved them from starvation. Years later, I asked him to tell me the story personally, because it was through this experience that he came to know Christ. He said, “I have no explanation except that God sent one of His angels to rescue us.” We may never see them, but God still sends His angels to surround and protect His children—including you.” (p. 153, Hope for Each Day).
Eddie Rickenbacker, like millions of others in history, believed in angels. I believe in angels. I believe there are guardian angels sent by God that watch over specific people in crucial moments. Some people see these angels. Some never see them but feel their presence. One thing is for sure… God is always watching closely to protect those HE loves.
Today’s scripture from Psalm 34:7 reiterates God’s use of angels in this world. It specifically mentions that “the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him (the Lord), and delivers them.” Angels don’t just watch over you. In important moments, they are sent by God to deliver you safe. When you are in trouble, look for God’s angels nearby. When the future looks bleak, God’s angels will be nearby. When you die, don’t be surprised if an angel is sent to take you to Heaven!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Blessed Father in Heaven! I thank You for the angels who rescued people from our Bible. Angels were there for Jesus, Paul, Peter, Joseph, Mary, and many more! Angels led the prophets, some delivering messages straight from Heaven. I am thankful for all the angels who protect and serve while accomplishing Your will!
As a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I too want to help like an angel! Show me those who need help. Give me healing words to tell the suffering soul. Grant me the ability to accomplish Your will in all my days on this earth!
As You watch over this world, dear Lord, I am ashamed of what you `see. There are dreadful sins playing out. War is all too common. Lies are spewed constantly by those in power. Money has twisted the minds of the greedy. Selfishness pervades all of society. I’m sure the angels report all the evil and sinfulness readily apparent in this world. I know you desire to save as many souls as possible from a terrible future. I pray people are turned from their evil ways. I pray for Your truth to be given the respect it deserves.
In the name of Jesus, my Savior, I pray. Amen.