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Angels

 

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. (Psalm 91:11)

          What’s an angel? Technically, an angel is a messenger. From today’s passage, I’d add that an angel is a protector and teacher. There are places in Scripture in which people are referred to as angels, especially pastors. This means that in one sense, at least, God gives pastors charge over us, to keep us in our ways. I suspect that family and friends may also be angels, given charge to keep us in our ways.

          I have some difficulties with this “keeping me in all my ways” stuff. It’s wonderful if it means that my angels are going to keep vehicles from hitting me or rapists or thieves from harming me, but when that keeping has to do with not eating that whatever, or thinking this thought instead of that thought – you know, when keeping interferes with my will, I’m not as fond of it.

          The problem is, I can’t keep me in all my ways, and I suspect I’m not alone in that problem. In fact, I can tell you from experience that when I announce to one or more person that I am going to do X and report back to them, and when my writer friends ask what my goals are and whether or not I made them, I am more likely to accomplish my goals than when I’m on my own. I treasure the people who help me stay on track, even if I hate being kept on track.

          Who are my angels? I know who a few are. Do you know who yours are?

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