Angels Keeping Watch

Many years ago, one of my confirmands asked if this could be her confirmation verse. She said she loved the idea of angels watching over her. “Please, please, please?” she asked me. I gladly agreed, enjoying the delighted smile on her face. Over the next few weeks, I reminded her that this was not a “rabbit’s foot” psalm, nor a good luck charm. These words were a personal statement of trust, the psalmist reminding us that no matter the situation in which we find ourselves, we can trust in God’s presence.

The other day, I watched a little girl learning to ride her two-wheeler. Helmet on, two pink training wheels on her new pink bike, her little face was locked in concentration. As she teetered unsteadily, her dad had a good steady grip on the back of her bike. Soon her face broke into a happy smile. Yes, she would still need to learn to steady the bike on her own and to manage the rhythm of the pedals, but for now her dad steadied her and held her in safety. As I stood watching them, I became aware that I was witnessing a picture of trust.

God invites us to relax into that trust. The angels are watching over us.

God of love, may I relax into trust, knowing I am surrounded by angels keeping watch over me. Amen. — MW