(Psalm 34:7 KJV) The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
This morning we continue our series entitled, “Re-Energizing Your Prayer Life,” by continuing with our teaching on “The Fear Factor” and reasons why not to fear. Here is reason #6 why you should not be afraid, “Because we have angelic protection!” This is an awesome reason. In a world infested with terrorists, crazy drivers, faulty equipment, and a myriad of other things that could lead to danger, hurt, and harm, it is good to know that we have angels to protect us. One of the greatest things the Lord did for me when I first became a Christian was taking me back over the many times in my life where He protected me with angels. Growing up in Brooklyn I was exposed to countless dangerous situations. I had been shot at a couple of times, once even with a sawed-off shotgun, and the Lord showed me how angels protected me. Not only that, the Father also explained to me how He protected me the many times I did stupid things as a kid. Before I gave my life to Christ I simply thought I was lucky. But now I don’t believe in luck. I know I had a praying grandmother and mother you interceded for me when I had no clue what was going on. As a result of their prayers and God’s assignment for my life, the Father sent angels to shield and protect me all those years, even before I knew Him personally and intimately. The Father was protecting me for my purpose. When the Father shared those things with me it gave me (then), and it still gives me (now), a level of confidence that cannot be shaken.
In our focus text David told us that the angel of the Lord literally encamps around those who fear Him. It is as though God’s angels are pulling guard-duty to ensure we are protected. Most people only quote that part of the verse, but if you keep reading we see why the angels are doing what they are doing – to deliver us. They are there to keep us from harm. I can only imagine how many times angels have protected me without my knowledge.
The writer of Hebrews said of angels, “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (1:14). Did you get that? Angels are hear to minister for us! There is an awesome story in 2nd Kings 6 about this. I don’t have the time to share the entire story, but I will attempt to summarize it. The king of Aram wanted to attack Israel. Every time he came up with a plan of attack the Lord revealed the scheme to the prophet Elisha and Elisha told the king of Israel. It was obvious to Aram that the Israelites knew what he was going to do before he did it, so he assumed he had a traitor in the camp. When he questioned his officers about it they said, “None of us are spies, but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom” (v.12). This made Aram extremely angry; to the point where he dispatched his entire army, chariots and horses, kill Elisha. Picture this; an entire army was dispatched to kill one man. When Elisha’s servant got up the next morning he went outside and saw that Aram’s army had them surrounded. He ran inside and said, “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” Elisha went outside and looked, but he saw something else, something his servant could not see, so he said, “Don’t be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” The servant was confused, so Elisha prayed for the Father to open his servant’s eyes, so that he could see the angels. When the Lord did, the servant was able to see that Aram’s army was outnumbered.
So what does this mean to you today? You should know by now that any form of fear strips your prayers of any power. Realizing you have angelic protection should give you a level of confidence that will help you fend of fear from ever getting into your heart. No matter what the enemy brings your way, remember, like Elisha told his servant, “Don’t be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
Closing Confession: Father, You are shield, my strength, my fortress, my place of safety, and my hedge of protection. I shall not be afraid of the dangers that lurk out in the world. Your faithfulness is around me like a city wall. You give Your angels charge over me to keep me wherever I go. Your angels are encamped round about me now. They pull guard duty to keep me safe. I am not afraid. I have no need to fear. Since the enemy can’t get past my angels, then I declare by faith that fear can’t get into my heart. I pray every day with fearless confidence. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
