Surrounded

We aren’t doing much camping in northwest Ohio these days. And truthfully, even when the temperature isn’t in the single digits and there isn’t snow on the ground, camping isn’t a frequent occurrence for most of us. I have been reflecting on this Bible verse, written during a time when camping was much more common:

“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and rescues them.” Psalm 34:7

This camping is not like a vacation, it is like a reverse siege – surrounding for the purpose of keeping an enemy out. I love the visual of God’s protection and rescue, and the idea that it is for the long haul.

I’ve been needing this reminder. God is in control. He hears and answers prayer. In case I am slow to catch on, it’s repeated at least 5 times in this very chapter (Psalm 34):

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me…”

“This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him…”

“…those who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing…”

“…his ears are open to their cry for help.”

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,”

Many years before this psalm was penned, a servant and his master were being hunted down by a powerful king. Overnight, a massive army surrounded the city where they were staying. After getting up early and discovering the situation, the servant asked his master, “What are we to do?”

His master reassured him that they didn’t need to fear. “Those who are with us outnumber those who are with them.”

Then his master prayed, “Lord, please open his eyes and Let him see.” When the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, he saw that the mountain was covered with horses and chariots of fire all around. And not only did God surround Elisha and his servant that day, He also rescued them.

I do believe that God surrounds me, that God surrounds His people, that He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18).

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion. It cannot be shaken; it remains forever. The mountains surround Jerusalem and the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever.” Psalm 125:1-2

Today, I choose to remember God’s faithfulness, His nearness, His strength, His promises of protection.  I pray that all of us will have our eyes opened to see God’s power and love at work in our lives.

-Leah