A Guardian Angel

We have all heard stories of a "guardian angel" - a heavenly being that protects us from harm. I am not sure if you believe in these angels or not but take a read of Psalm 34 and see if this may change your mind at all.

The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. (New King James)

"For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him." - New Living

"God’s angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray." (Eugene Peterson)

Thought: May God protect you and guard your heart as you follow in his ways.

Living in Grace

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When we need a Guardian

I was reading through Psalm 121 in the Complete Jewish Bible, as it offers some fresh insight into familiar passages. While doing this, I was struck by the use of the word 'Guardian', which is repeated a few times. In simple terms, a Guardian is someone who takes care of another person who is not able to care for themselves in the present moment. Usually this in the case of a child, who has a Guardian until they reach a certain age.

However, is this also not true of our relationship with God. Sometimes we are not able to take care of ourselves, and we need to be reminded that we have a God who is willing and able to be that Guardian for us.

He will not let your foot slip —
your guardian is not asleep.
4 No, the guardian of Isra’el
never slumbers or sleeps.

5 Adonai is your guardian; at your right hand
Adonai provides you with shade —
6 the sun can’t strike you during the day
or even the moon at night.

7 Adonai will guard you against all harm;
he will guard your life.
8 Adonai will guard your coming and going
from now on and forever. (Psalm 121)

Living in Grace

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Guardian of our souls

"He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross,
so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.
By his wounds you are healed.
Once you were like sheep who wandered away.
But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls." - 1 Peter 2:24 (NLT)

The phrase that struck me in today's reading is 'Guardian of your souls.' 

This speaks to me of the promise that our Saviour has finished the work of salvation on the cross. When we place our lives in his care, we will still face trials and struggles, but Jesus remains the Guardian of our Souls. 

Perhaps, it is an ancient image that we should borrow for our present culture and hold onto the gift that it offers us. The world may attack us from the outside, but our Christ remains the protector of our souls. This is what Jesus was saying to his disciples, when he urged them not to be worried about what people could do to their physical bodies.

Matthew 10:28 - “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul."

Living in Grace

D3LM3