Angels Around You
“Angels Around You” is a song about innocence and a world that tries very hard to steal it.
Now let me say right away that the bible says no one is good, no one is truly innocent. We’ve all sinned and fall short of God’s glory and perfection. So when I talk about innocence here I’m not talking about being sinless and perfect. None of are, and that’s why we need a Savior- that’s why we need Jesus. But there is this quality of being, or wanting to be, unstained from the world that some possess more than others. This is what my song is about, and it’s something that God highly values.
One of the most valued treasures in God’s sight is innocence. It was innocence that was lost in the garden when Adam and Eve sinned. It was the loss of innocence that made them feel naked, alone and separated from God. Jesus cherishes innocence to such an extent that one of His scariest statements is to those who would rob others of it.
“If anyone causes one of these little ones–those who believe in me–to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” -Matthew 18.6
Not only does Jesus give a severe warning about causing others to “stumble” into sin, the Word of God says that God also sends angels to watch over us lest we in some way stumble or fall into sin.
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” -Psalm 91.11-12
Have you ever noticed how many stones the world has to stumble over? The book “Pilgrims Progress” portrays the world as a gigantic carnival called “Vanity Fair” where carnival barkers offer every distraction and enticement to get off the path that would lead to Heaven. As we travel through this world we are constantly being lured away from the Celestial City by the cheap prizes the world offers. This world isn’t an easy place for anyone who wants to live purely or be innocent. Even those who try hard to live for God stumble in many ways.
“We all stumble in many ways…” -James 3:2
What does the bible say about innocence? It tells us to protect those who have it, and to forgive and help those who have lost it.
Innocence Lost
I wish I could say I’ve always valued purity and innocence. Like most people growing up I lost mine and was the reason others lost theirs. When I think of that it makes me sad. Innocence is one of those things that you don’t miss until it’s gone, then you realize how valuable it was. When I see it in people now I often pray they won’t lose it or be led down a path that robs them of it. That’s one of the reasons I wrote the song “Angels Around You”. It was written for someone I knew personally. They sparkled and shined and seemed to have that precious gift of innocence. This song was just my prayer that they wouldn’t lose that. It’s also a reminder that even when we feel alone we are actually surrounded by an army of angels. The world and it’s temptations can seem overwhelming sometimes but God hasn’t left us alone. Not only is God with us, but the bible says we’re surrounded by a great company of angels! Most of the time we’re completely unaware of their unseen reality but they’re everywhere around us.
Here’s some things the Word of God says about angels-
- Angels are powerful and are sent by God. “Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.” -Psalm 103:20
- Angels protect us and do amazing things. “My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions.” -Daniel 6:22
- Angels serve God and are supernatural. “In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.” -Hebrews 1:7
- Angels may be visible and take on our appearance! “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” -Hebrews 13:2
This is a very small part of what the bible says about angels, but the point of all this is that angels are real! Angels do exist and are sent by God to care for us.
Was that an angel I just saw?
I won’t go into detail about it, but in my 30 years as a Christian I had one encounter where I believe I actually saw 2 angels! They looked like people, and appeared to me, in all places, at a McDonalds while I stood in line waiting to order. That may seem like a funny place for an angel to show up, but the reality is that they are actually all around us all the time, we just don’t usually see them. We had a conversation, I turned my head for a split second and they both had vanished! This visitation by angels took place at a crucial time in my life. I’d never seen any angels before that and I’ve never seen any since. It was a crazy experience but that encounter made me change some upcoming events and get down on my knees and pray like I’d never prayed before! I believe God sent them to protect me, my brother and sister. Can I prove they were angels to you? Nope! But I was convinced enough it changed my actions and affected some important future decisions. I know angels exist though, not just because of my experience, but because the bible says they exist. Most of us will never see them or know they’re there, and I will probably never see one again the rest of my life, but they are as real as anything we can see or touch- the bible makes that very clear. And what are these angelic beings doing? It’s worth reading again…
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” -Psalm 91.11-12
Angels watch over us, guard and protect us, and minister to us according to God’s desire.
Our life in this world is depicted in the Word Of God as taking place in the midst of an epic battle. An invisible army of angels is at war with a demonic enemy. It’s not hard to see how the world has been affected by the ravages of sin. It lies and cheats and steals away from us anything that reflects the glory and beauty of God. The world claims to love innocence but by it’s actions it is constantly destroying it. God has not left us without help- Jesus promised to never fail us or forsake us, the Holy Spirit is with us always to guide, comfort and counsel us, and an invisible army of angels surrounds us!
