February 27

Bible Reading: “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.” (Psalm 91:11-12)

One of the startling aspects of angelic protection pointed out to us by the Psalmist is its comprehensiveness. According to the Psalmist, angels are charged to keep us from “dashing our foot against a stone.” In other words, they are to keep us from stumping our toe. Obviously, this is a spiritual toe stumping rather than a physical one. Still, how consoling it is to know that angels are charged by God to be this minutely concerned with our daily care. 

Along with its comprehensiveness, another startling aspect of angelic protection is its constancy. At first glance, one may be taken back by the Psalmist’s promise of angelic protection “in all [our] ways.” Suppose we’re not going in the right way? Are angels charged by God to shield us from sin’s consequences? Can we live with careless abandon, even when living outside of the parameters of God’s Word and will?

It is necessary for us to regress at this point. At the beginning of our devotions on this magnificent Psalm we explained how its promises are limited to those who dwell under the shadow of the Almighty; that is, those who live in constant communion with God. Anyone in fellowship with God will be following God in all of their ways. As a consequence, they will be under the constant care of divinely charged angels.

“Love God and do as you please!” (Augustine)