How can we trust God's angels to "lift you up in their hands"? The Promise Declared in Psalm 91:12 Psalm 91:11-12: “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.” • The words are literal: God issues a command; angelic beings obey. • “Lift you up” pictures strong, capable hands preventing harm—not merely symbolic comfort, but real intervention when the path demands it. • The promise is framed for those who “dwell in the shelter of the Most High” (Psalm 91:1) and walk “in all your ways” (v. 11)—lives aligned with His will. Why Angels Are Trustworthy Protectors • They act under divine orders, not independent whim (Psalm 103:20). • They are “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). • Their number is vast—“myriads of myriads” (Revelation 5:11)—so no shortage of help. • Their strength is extraordinary; one angel struck down 185,000 Assyrians (2 Kings 19:35). • God’s character guarantees consistency: “I, the LORD, do not change” (Malachi 3:6). If He assigns angels, their faithfulness mirrors His. Biblical Snapshots of Angelic Protection • Lot escorted out of Sodom before judgment (Genesis 19:15-16). • The Angel of God moved between Israel and Egypt’s army, shielding the fleeing nation (Exodus 14:19-20). • Elisha’s servant saw “the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire” (2 Kings 6:17). • “God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths” for Daniel (Daniel 6:22). • A “fourth man” like “a son of the gods” walked with the three Hebrews in the furnace (Daniel 3:25, 28). • An angel freed apostles from prison (Acts 5:19) and later Peter (Acts 12:7-11). • Jesus affirmed the reserve of “more than twelve legions of angels” (Matthew 26:53). Guardrails Against Presumption • Satan quoted Psalm 91 in temptation, but Jesus answered, “You shall not test the Lord your God” (Matthew 4:6-7; Deuteronomy 6:16). • Protection accompanies obedience, not recklessness. Stepping outside “your ways” appointed by God removes the promised cover. • We trust God, not angels; worship belongs to Him alone (Revelation 22:8-9). Living Under Angelic Care Today • Abide in Christ daily—remain under the shadow of the Almighty (John 15:4; Psalm 91:1). • Rest instead of fear; “You will not fear the terror of night” (Psalm 91:5). • Pray with thanksgiving; God dispatches help in response (Philippians 4:6-7; Daniel 9:21-23). • Speak and stand on Scripture; angels “do His will, obeying His voice” (Psalm 103:20). • Practice holiness; angels are drawn to God-honoring environments (1 Peter 1:12). • Show hospitality; “some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2). Encouragement for the Journey God’s promise is solid, His angels are ready, and His care is personal. Walk close to Him, lean into His Word, and live confidently—hands you cannot see are already positioned to lift you up at the exact moment you would otherwise stumble. |
    |