Surrounded

The word “surrounded” carries with it both a terrifying and a comforting connotation. A suspect in a crime, when surrounded by numbers of law enforcement officers usually has no way out. An army surrounded by the enemy stands in a very dangerous situation.

Yet, when surrounded by love and care, a person can thrive and live well. Scripture refers to God as surrounding his people and speaks of the ways his goodness comes to them. Psalm 37:7 says that God surrounds us in trouble with songs of deliverance. Psalm 5:12 speaks of God surrounding the righteous with favor. In Psalm 125:2 we read about the permanence of God’s surrounding love, like the mountains that stand around Jerusalem.

Elisha’s servant felt alone, and when God showed him the hills full of horses and chariots of fire, he knew he was surrounded by the Lord’s protection. (2 Kings 6:16-17). Hebrews 12:1 assures us that we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses to inspire us to perseverance.

Whatever need you have today, remember that God has thought of everything, and has a way of surrounding you with every grace imaginable. Even when armies of evil or trouble look to destroy you, God is able to shield you and keep you safe.