Whether we see them or not, there are angels watching over us

3 min read

Are they [angels] not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

Hebrews 1:14

Throughout church history, angels have trended either way in or way out of popularity. There have been seasons when fascination with angels went completely overboard, but then other times, kind of like now, when they completely fell off our radar and we forgot about them.

It seems that angels, our unseen helpers in the spiritual realm, are rarely mentioned or even acknowledged these days, except maybe at Christmas and Easter. But since angels play a vital role in God’s daily care over us, maybe now is a good time to get reacquainted with them.

There are many Biblical references to angels – in both Old and New Testaments – but let’s just take a quick look at one instance.

In 2 Kings 6, we find a perfect example of how some account for the reality of angels and some do not. The prophet/preacher, Elisha, and his assistant woke up one morning to find that they were surrounded by a vast army of bad guys who intended to do them harm. In a panic, the assistant asked Elisha, “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” (v. 15). In response, Elisha told the young man not to be afraid and then asked the LORD to “open his eyes and let him see” (v. 17).

At that point, the assistant looked up and saw the “hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.” (v. 17) Imagine the relief he felt in that moment. The odds weren’t stacked against them as badly as he thought.

As real now as they were then…

Are we to assume that the angelic reinforcements were there the whole time? Yes, it appears so. It’s just that under normal circumstances they could not be seen.

Is the same true today? Is there a host of angelic forces in the unseen realms around us? Quite simply, yes. Here’s what the Bible says:

For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up,
    lest you strike your foot against a stone. -Psalm 91:11-12

Are they [angels] not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14

Though we don’t perceive them, our inconspicuous allies are always nearby. Of course, the problem is, so are our inconspicuous foes! Just as angels always surround, so demons always lurk.

But don’t let that fact intimidate you, because the angels have the advantage. They are stronger and more numerous than all the ranks of darkness. As Elisha told his young assistant, “Don’t be afraid, for there are more on our side than on theirs!” (v. 16)

Commenting on this part of Elisha’s story, the late Warren Wiersbe once said,

“When God’s servants are in his will and doing his work, they are immortal until their work is done.”

Christian, not only do you have the crucified and risen Jesus above you interceding at the right hand of the Father, and the Holy Spirit within you, you also have an angelic presence around you! You’re surrounded!

Let this friendly reminder chase away your fears and re-fuel your faith today.

It’s a new day with God. Run with it.