Sometimes you hear people talk about their “guardian angel.” Maybe they had a close call on the highway or a near accident at work, and afterward they give credit to the care of their angel.
But is that right? Just who are the angels guarding, and why?
Psalm 91 tells us that the LORD “will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (v. 11). This verse is part of a Psalm that celebrates the certain promise of God’s faithful protection.
One means of showing his care is through the angels, God’s heavenly servants. In the Bible, we see God often sending them: to bring messages to the righteous, to judge the wicked, to fight the enemies, to bring comfort. And to guard God’s children!
Think of how God’s angel stood as the last line of defense between the Israelites and the advancing Egyptians on the shores of the Red Sea. Or think of how in the book of Acts we see angels shielding the church of Christ from her violent foes.
So do you ever wonder where the angels are today? Where are they, when Christians need delivering, when we face trouble, or when there are enemies of the church whom (we feel) ought to be struck down?
Closer to home, are the angels involved in our own daily care?
Hebrews 1:14 affirms that the angels are “ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation.” This Scripture says that you don’t just have one guardian angel—you have many! The eyes in our head don’t see them. But the eyes of faith do. Today we know that they’re no less present and no less powerful. We know that they’re still on duty, caring for the redeemed people of God according to his perfect will.
From his place at the Father’s right hand, Christ our heavenly Saviour commands the angels. Because he laid down his life for the church, even pouring out his precious blood, he wants to preserve us in body and soul by all means available—also by his heavenly servants, the angels. They look out for our safety, they undertake our defense, and they exercise a constant care.
In this life the Lord doesn’t promise his children that harm or trouble will never come. But when it does come, rest assured that you are secure in Christ, as surely as he is reigning in heaven!