Angels All Around Us

They're all above me
Beneath me
Before me
They're all around me
My Father's Angels all protect me everywhere ~ Bill & Gloria Gaither

Often our daughters sing this soft, comforting tune. Sometimes, closing their eyes and picturing their angels, sometimes heads bowed in gratitude. Sometimes, their joy in this truth revealed by the smiles adorning their precious faces. I am reminded that the Lord would not have us live in fear when these words ring forth. Such a simple principle...that our faith would far surpass our fear, yet, difficult to put into action, when we view the reality of our world.

Last week, God sent a huge reminder to our school. The children boarded their buses like any other day. Bus drivers waved goodbye and teachers smiled as they re-entered school after a long day. Not long after, a phone call would spark our administration into action. The driver on one of the buses had suffered a heart attack, leaving the bus unattended as it drifted into an intersection after being stopped at a red light. One of the high school students noticed the empty driver's seat. She left her own seat, approached the steering wheel, turned and applied the emergency brake, leading the bus to safety. Other older students gathered younger students and ushered them to the rear of the bus, as not to view the collapsed driver. They prayed together and remained calm as help arrived; the kind of calm that only God provides...the kind of calm that comes in the presence of angels who gather around a big yellow bus providing a hedge of protection that only God ordains.

"For he will command 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." Psalm 91:11-12

In a worldly view, some may call this story good fortune. I cannot in good conscience underestimate the almighty power of a loving God who chose to employ His angels to keep some 30 students safe. The young lady who led that bus to the side of the road had just begun driver's education...no other cars hit the bus...prayers were lifted...the students called the school and 911, articulating the events with great clarity and amazing composure...God gets the glory for the events that transpired. His protection was evident.

"He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber." Psalm 121:3

As a general rule, we probably do not know the extent to which we have been held so dearly in His grip. We know the angels surround us, protect us and obey the wave of His hand. Joshua 1:9 proclaims, "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Today, I pray you will accept the peace and protection of our God and His angels. They are as near to us as our breath is within us.

Thank you, Lord for the protection you provide. Thank you for sending your angels to keep us from harm. Keep us mindful of your promises and open to your strength and peace. Please, Lord keep those angels coming!Amen.

"He goes before us, follows behind us, and hems us safe inside the realm of His protection." ~ Beth Moore