“The Angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” Psalms 34:7
In my days as a young mother, I would often find myself alone at night with my four children. My husband took frequent business trips out of town that required him to be gone several days. This verse from the Psalms brought comfort to my heart as I awaited his return. In my later years, it has taken on a different meaning. My mind goes to times when I was in a fearful situation and felt the presence of my Savior’s protecting care. Have you ever been riding or driving in a car and felt Jesus “took the wheel?” I had such an experience last week.
I had been to Tennessee to see my daughter and her family. Returning home, storms were coming through the area, and I thought it would be best to start out and spend the night halfway home. I hadn’t counted on the storm that came up quickly south of Nashville. It took me 6 hours to reach the Kentucky border. I was worn out and looking forward to a warm bath and bed. It was dark and I was driving along in the fast lane. Checking my rearview mirror, I saw a car coming up behind me, so I decided to move over and let him pass. I turned my head to see if there was a car on my right, then turned the wheel to get into the middle lane. As I moved over, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a disabled car sitting halfway in my lane. I don’t know how I missed it, except I KNEW an “angel” had turned the wheel just in time. I was overcome with thanksgiving and shaking with relief when I got safely to my motel. All I could do was thank the Lord for His mercy on the highway! As a widow, I am constantly reminded of His tender care. He has promised to be my “husband” and He persistently protects me. “For your Maker is your husband – the Lord Almighty is His name – the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.” Isaiah 54:5. I guess the Lord still has work for me to do!
Another time, I had accompanied my daughter, her husband and grandson to China to adopt a baby boy. My family left me in Beijing while they went to Guangdong to the American Embassy to complete the paperwork. I waved goodbye at the airport, and with the tour guide took a taxi back to my hotel in the city. Thinking we wouldn’t know the route, the taxi driver began to take the “long” way back hoping to make a little extra money off the American. The tour guide caught him and spoke sharply to him. The taxi driver became angry! That began the most unbelievably fearful ride I have ever experienced! He drove at speeds of 90-100 miles per hour, zigzagging in and out of traffic, slamming on his breaks, and disregarding other drivers. At one intersection, a car was overturned, and its wheels were still moving! Cars and buses at intersections and it was every man for himself! I could reach out my hand and touch a bus turning into our lane! A huge traffic jam and every car doing its own thing with our driver the worst of all! Even the tour guide was afraid! I bowed my head and asked the Lord to preserve us. As I prayed, I could visualize an angel sitting on top of the car “directing traffic” and keeping us safe! The most wonderful peace came over me! “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1. In the most difficult moments of life, we can seek our shelter in Christ! Much of the time, we are unaware of His presence and protection. God is always present, circling our lives, watching, caring and inviting us to rest in the shadow He provides. He encamps around those who fear Him and delivers them! Hallelujah!
Your friend, Jean