Deeply Loved

TO READ: Daniel 10:1-19

“Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”

Daniel 10:19

God is the refuge for his people and the conqueror of nations. God commands a heavenly host —spirits that battle the abounding evil that threatens us. But many people wonder if angels really exist. What does the Bible say about them?

God shows us his power not only through his personal intervention but also by sending individual members of his host to empower, console, or encourage us in our earthly pilgrimage. People do not always recognize angels because these heavenly visitors have the ability to appear as humans. Some of us have perhaps “entertained angels without realizing it!” (Hebrews 13:2). In this passage, an angel strengthened Daniel after he recognized his heavenly visitor.

The hosts of the Lord are marvelous —but not nearly as marvelous as the Lord of hosts. “Angels are only servants —spirits sent to care for people who will receive salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). God may choose to visit our discouraged heart by sending us angelic help or by touching us personally with his Spirit. However he deems suitable will be just what we need when we need it! One way or another he will make his love real to our heart. “For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love” (Romans 5:5). It is that grand knowledge —his love for us —that will set us on our feet and strengthen us.