“One who lives in the shelter of the Most High will stay in the shadow of the Almighty.
Yes, he will give a command to his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.
They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
Many of the psalms refer to high places. We think of the sky and stars above, but also of heaven, where God dwells. Anyone who lives in His house remains protected in this refuge and fortress!
But how do we enter this heavenly home? Only God can make it so – “By making my feet like those of a deer, he enables me to stand on high places.” (Psalm 18:33) And He does just that! The psalmist provides us with numerous images of how God protects us. He rescues us from traps, covers us with his wings, our shield and armor from danger and death. As thousands fall around us to temptation and destruction at the hands of His enemies, God continues to protect His people.
When you think about all the circumstances we encounter in life, that’s a lot of work for God to do. Of course, our God is all-powerful, so it’s no problem for Him! But God, in His infinite wisdom and grace, uses His creation to provide protection and help to His people. He commands His servants, the angels, to guard and keep us from any danger.
Perhaps it’s difficult for us to appreciate what we do not fully understand and what we cannot see for ourselves. Even with what the Bible tells us about them, we want to know more about the angels watching over us. But the same trust we put in God’s plan for our salvation, we can place in the angels assigned to our protection.
Yet the angels do more than play defense. They go on the offensive, and because they are with the Lord, they win! Michael and the angels defeat Satan and his demons. They have conquered with the Lamb, our Savior! We will “tread on the lion and the cobra, the great lion and the serpent.” (Psalm 91:13) The battle is ongoing, but the result is known, and what a blessing it is that we are on the winning team!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, because you crushed the head of the serpent, make us bold to face all the challenges of life. With you at our side, no one can harm us. With your angels standing guard over us, no danger can overcome us. Help us triumph in every temptation, and show us your salvation. Amen.