Angelic Protection

Psalm 34:7 (KJV) The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

This is one of the great promises of God given to those who revere and respect the Lord. The Lord does not watch over us from a distance. He gives angelic protection to those who love Him. It is described as an encampment, like that of an army encamps around a city.

Now this doesn't mean that those who fear the Lord will never face problems or difficult situations. David, who wrote this Psalm, faced many problems in his life, but God was faithful to bring him through every danger and snare of the enemy.

David Escapes Abimalech

Before writing this Psalm, David had just come from the presence of King Abimalech, who had sent David away after David pretended to be a madman, which he did for fear that Abimalech's people would kill him. David evidently credits his escape from this situation to the presence of the Angel of the Lord.

Angels in the Old Covenant

We see examples of the presence of angels around God's people in both the Old Testament and the New. One example is in the story of Elisha and his servant, when the city they were in was surrounded by enemy forces. Elisha's servant was fearful and concerned about what they would do in the situation. But Elisha answered him with comforting words.

2 Kings 6:16-17 (KJV) And he [Elisha] answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

The help that Elisha and his servant needed was there with them the whole time, but it was not visible to the natural eye. Elisha knew it but his servant's eyes, the eyes of his spirit, needed to be opened.

Another example of angelic help can be seen in the life of Jacob when he traveled from Laban, his father-in-law, through the open country on his journey back to the land of Canaan.

And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim. (Genesis 32:1-2 KJV)

The Hebrew word "Mahanaim" in this verse means "Two camps." It says that when Jacob saw this second camp, he recognized it to be the host of God, or an angelic host.

Jacob was in fear of meeting his brother, Esau, afraid that he might kill him, but when he at last encountered his brother, they fell on each other's necks and wept. The angels had gone before him and prepared Jacob's way.

Ministering Spirits

In the New Testament, it is revealed to us that angels are ministering spirits sent to aid and assist those who inherit God's salvation through Christ. The writer of Hebrews, in comparing the greatness of Jesus to that of angels, points out the servant role of angels.

But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? (Hebrews 1:13-14 KJV)

Angels in Human Form

It also appears that angels can take the form of humans and intermingle with mankind in that form.

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:2 KJV)

Angels are indeed real, and it says that some people, in exercising hospitality toward strangers, have inadvertantly entertained angels in the process, who appeared to be everyday people.

A Strong Word Foundation

Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. (Psalm 103:20 KJV)

We should take note that God's angels excel in strength, they are strong and capable of doing great things, and they obey God's commandments, hearkening to the voice of His Word.

It is imperative that we have a good understanding of the promises of God, the promises given to us in the Bible. The angels of God take action based on our knowledge of God's Word.

When Do Angels Hearken?

When does that happen? It happens when we study and learn the promises of God, it takes place when we talk about them, and it happens when we use our knowledge of the Word of God in prayer and in declaring those promises over our lives. The angels, who are always around us, hear those things and respond accordingly, hearkening unto the voice of God's Word coming from our conversation and prayers.

When we place the truth of God's Word in our hearts, and we speak it in prayer and over our lives, the assistance of angels is activated. They hearken to the voice of God's Word, in whatever form it comes in.

Encamped Round About

The Bible says the Angel of the Lord and the host of God is encamped around us. That means they are present before danger is revealed, before any battle starts. They are there before we even recognize there is any danger. It is a present reality. By the time we become aware of a problem, the angels have already gone into action.

The Long-term Benefit of Angels

If the presence of angels is a reality in our lives, and the Bible says it is, then there have likely been many times over the years that angels have intervened to help us and deliver us, though we were unaware of their presence.

How many close calls and mishaps have we been saved from on the highways and streets? How many opportunities to be taken with sickness and disease have we avoided? How many doors have opened for us that would not have otherwise opened because of their presence?

Angels have likely delivered us many times over the years without our knowledge of it.

With Long Life

Psalm 91:16 (KJV) With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

If we are to be satisfied with long life, and the Bible does promise that, then we must certainly avoid the numerous things that can cause early death. Things like unseen accidents, terminal illnesses, or dangerous and life-threatening situations. How many times has the Lord intervened by his angels and we were not even aware of it?

What a comfort it is to know that the Lord has surrounded us with His divine protection. And that comes to us not because we are any better than anyone else, but because we honor the Lord, the One who is our refuge, our hiding place of protection, our fortress, and our defender.

We do not walk through this world alone. The Lord promises to surround His people with divine protection. Let us lay hold of that truth by faith. May we walk with confidence and with a thankful heart that the angels of the Lord are around us to serve and protect us.