Encouragement for Your Week: July 13-19
This Week’s Verse
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 (NIV)
Devotion
Among the many promises God gives to those who trust Him is the one in this week’s verse—He commands His angels to watch over us. In Hebrews 1:14, it says, “All the angels are spirits who serve God and are sent to help those who will receive salvation.” Angels are spiritual beings God created and assigned to continually protect and guide those who put their trust in Him. The fact that they are always watching over us shows that they set up camp around us, like it says in Psalm 34:7.
The angels watch over us to keep us safe in every part of our lives. This reminds us of how God sent an angel to guard and lead the Israelites on their way to the Promised Land (Exodus 23:20). For those who trust God and live to serve Him, He provides an “angelic security team” that protects and guides them wherever they go in His service. This doesn’t mean we can expect angelic protection if we wander away from God’s plan or chase our own desires. Instead, it means that when we go where God calls us, He sends His angels to help us—just like when Abraham’s servant was protected by an angel while searching for a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:7, 40).
The angels that camp around those who fear God also rescue them from danger (Psalm 34:7). They lift us up so we don’t stumble and fall. This means they help us overcome obstacles and protect us from things that could harm us. No matter what happens in a believer’s life—good or bad—it only happens if God allows it for their ultimate good (Romans 8:28). The presence of angels is proof of that truth.
While some Christians think they have the authority to command angels, the Bible doesn’t teach that. However, there is nothing wrong with asking God to send His angels to help us in every way they can. But always remember, their strength comes from God and only God – the most powerful being in the universe.
This Week’s Challenge
Each morning this week, pray, “Lord, thank You for Your protection. Help me walk in Your will today, trusting You’ve already gone ahead of me.” Then, watch for ways God showed you His care that day. Grab a sheet of paper and each night write down one example of His protection or guidance that you saw that day. At the end of the week, look back on that sheet and reflect on how He protected you. Give Him thanks and praise for his presence!