Surrounded by Angels

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

Have you ever seen an angel?

Would you recognize an angel if one did appear to you?

Our idea of what an angel looks like is based on pictures that men have painted. They are usually dressed in a flowing white robe, have golden hair, a halo, or a ring of light around their heads, and large wings on their backs. Perhaps the artist had a vision of an angel, and this was how they appeared.

There are many instances in the Bible where angels appeared to people to bring them a special message. When they appeared to Abraham, they appeared as men. Two men came to Sodom to rescue Lot and his family. Jacob wrestled with a man. On the hills of Bethlehem, the angels appeared in the sky and brought the message to the shepherds of Christ’s birth.

I know there are people today who have had visions of angels, but I don’t know of anyone who has been able to snap a picture of them. Most people explain their experience as seeing a brightness. I am sure that the Lord gives them this experience as a comfort or an encouragement to them in a specific circumstance.

I have often been in a service where the Spirit of the Lord was moving in a special way and could envision in my mind the angels of the Lord spread out around the building, worshiping with us. I didn’t see them, but I felt their presence among us.

This Scripture in Psalms tells us the angel of the Lord is with those of us that fear the Lord. They are with us whether we are in our homes, in our places of work, or driving on the highways. I live alone, and often sense that there is someone there with me. I know the Lord is always with me, and that His angels are hovering near to protect and keep me. I cannot actually see them, but I know they are there.

Prayer: Jesus, I thank you for your presence in my life, and for the angels that you provide to protect us and to guide over us.

Devotion by Anne Johnston