I tucked her into bed one night when my youngest granddaughter was about five. As she began her usual bedtime chatter, she confided that sometimes she was afraid at night. We talked awhile, and I told her of God’s amazing angel armies assigned to watch over us and help us throughout life. I reminded her that the Bible says the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and delivers them (Psalm 34:7 ESV). The New Living Translation says for the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
She listened intently as I explained that the Lord wants to protect us, whether awake or asleep. The Hebrew meaning of “the angel of the Lord encamps around those” is that the angel pitches a tent to encircle or encompass us. Since God never needs to sleep, He watches over us and directs his angel armies to assist us. As evidenced in Hebrews 1:14, they are all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation (that’s us).
The lesson continued. The Lord knows us so well—our thoughts, body language, actions, all of it. He knows exactly what angels to send to aid us in our distress, whether we are afraid, sad, confused, weak, sick, etc. Angels of comfort help the sad, lonely, or grieving person. God has, at His command, angels that minister strength and protection. What could be more reassuring than peace-bearing angels in times of confusion and turmoil?
For those who love and fear God, the angel of the Lord is a guard surrounding them. That brought a smile to my granddaughter’s face! Even at the darkest hour of the night, when she was alone in bed, the angel of the Lord was there to protect her. For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go, Psalm 91:11 declares. I love the plural “angels” in that verse! How many would be given that assignment? What would they do in her room?
I recalled that one night, just days before my husband passed into Glory, he was lying in bed, very sick and weak. “Angels are touching me,” he said as he smiled. “I feel them tenderly touching my back,” he continued, “It’s very comforting.” There was a holy Presence in the bedroom. So, I learned that God’s angel armies come very near to us. They are holy, supernatural beings. They would come close to my granddaughter as she slept, to push back the fear she felt.
The function of angels is explained in Psalm 103:20-21, Praise the Lord you angels, you mighty ones who carry out His plans, listening for each of His commands. Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve Him and do His will. What a masterful plan our God has implemented! We talk to God about our concerns, and He tells His angel armies what to do!
Before too long, my little granddaughter drifted off to sleep. A few minutes later, as I passed her bed, she was fast asleep. As she slept, she snuggled into her covers and sweetly said, “Here come the angels!”
Indeed, I’m sure they were there, and oh, how I wish I could have jumped into her dreams!
© 2023, Chris Werre
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