Grace Meets Us

Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and I love old Western movies. 

And maybe you do, too. Movies like “How the West Was Won,” or “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon;” I love that one. And I love John Wayne in “Rio Bravo” or “True Grit.” Then there is that Henry Fonda classic, “Fort Apache.” I think I’ve seen that thing 10 times. Or his classic “The Oxbow Incident.” Now, I know, I know; nowadays those cowboy movies look a little hokey. But my point here is, remember those scenes where they would all circle the covered wagons? They do it at nighttime so the wagons would form a barrier against wild animals or highway bandits. Or maybe in the daytime if there was an Indian attack, and the arrows were flying. Again, the wranglers would quick tell the drivers to “circle your wagons.” And all the children and the women and the animals would be gathered in the center of the circle. That was a place of protection; a place of safety. The strong, taking their positions with guns and ammunition were poised to fight on the outside, but the weak were put in the middle of the circle where it was safe. 

Got that picture? Remember what that looked like on the silver screen? Well, it is no stretch at all to say that it’s a great illustration of Psalm 34:7. Many scholars believe that David wrote that Psalm when he was a fugitive, huddled up in his rocky cave near Adullam, away from his enemies. It was there he wrote Psalm 34, they say, comforting himself with these words – get this – “The Angel of the Lord encamps around about them that fear Him, and he delivers them.” In other words, David looked up and through faith he could see the Lord circling the wagons on his behalf. The Lord was round about him, positioning Himself strong against David’s enemies. And where did the psalmist see himself? He saw himself in the center of that circle of protection and strength; the Lord, out there fighting and defending him. Alex MacLaren wrote,   

[Our vision of God’s] presence takes the form which our circumstances most require. David’s … need was safety and protection. Therefore, he saw the Encamping Angel So [all of God’s] grace shapes its expression according to our [need … so rich and varied] are the aspects of God’s [grace], that every [person] in every possible … circumstance will find there just what [is needed ] … [God’s] armor fits every man who puts it on. [His grace] takes the shape that our circumstances most need.  

You know, like David, I want to be in the center of God’s encampment. I want to feel encircled by the Captain of the Lord’s army and His angelic host. I’m assured that my enemy, the devil, he’s gonna have to force his way through that circle of protection before he can ever get to me. And I know that’s certainly not going to happen. So, if today you feel weak and overwhelmed by a devilish assault; if enemy arrows are flying everywhere and you’re under attack, then rest assured; know that God has already circled the wagons. Psalm 34 says, “The Angel of the Lord encamps around about them that fear Him, and that Angel delivers them.” Isn’t that a wonderful picture for you today? He is not only your protector, God is your deliverer. 

You know, I hope that you are encouraged by this picture, this perspective on Psalm 34. It’s the sort of thing I love doing here at Joni and Friends. Passing on the encouragement that God has given me in this wheelchair. So until next time on Joni and Friends, know that the angel of the Lord encamps around you. He’s circling the wagons! Because you know what? It’s a message you’ll hear often from us at Joni and Friends, because we love sharing hope in every one of your hardships. 

And one more thing. We here at Joni and Friends would love to pray for you in your troubles. So, share with us your prayer need today at joniradio.org. Again, that’s joniradio.org. 

© Joni and Friends

“The Encamping Angel” by Alexander MacLaren from “Week-Day Evening Addresses Delivered in Manchester” 

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