Angels are all around us, waiting to lead us to God’s love.

Throughout the Bible, angels show up as messengers (Luke 1: 26-38) and mediators (Job: 23-26). Sometimes they show up in physical form (Judges 6: 11-24). At other times, they show up in spiritual form, even entering our dreams with messages intended to help us. (Matthew 1: 18-25)

Whatever form the angels take, they always show up as ministering spirits:

“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?” Hebrews 1: 14

A direct and personal encounter with an angel is not necessary to believe that angels exist. The Bible suggests a vast number of angels. Moses, shortly before his death, blessed the people of Israel with these words:

“The Lord came from Sinai, and dawned from Seir upon us; He shown forth from Mount Paran, He came from the ten thousands of holy ones [or angels], with flaming fire at His right hand.” Deuteronomy 33:2

Daniel describes this vision of heaven, received in a dream:

“As I looked, thrones were placed and One that was ancient of days took His seat; His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head like pure wool; His throne was fiery flames, its wheels were burning fire. A steam of fire issued and came forth before Him; a thousand thousands [of angels] served Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.” Daniel 7: 9-10

Jesus’ beloved apostle John, in recording his vision of heaven, refers to many angels:

“Then I looked and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voices of many angels, numbering myriads or myriads [which translated to hundreds of millions] and thousands of thousands.” Revelation 5: 11.

Later on, in the Book of Revelation, John equates the number of angels to the number of stars in the heavens, when he shares the vision of a red dragon’s tail sweeping away a third of the stars:

“His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven, and cast them to earth.” Revelation 12: 5

Interestingly, Biblical scholars believe that this particular verse in Revelation 12 is referring to those angels who were cast down from Heaven, as a result of their decision to rebel. It appears that even angels have free will.

My objective in sharing these stories and verses about angels is to encourage all of us to stop and consider the role that angels play in our lives. The real struggles we face are on the spiritual realm. (Ephesians 6: 12) Are we calling in particular upon our guardian angels to help us?

Even if we already believe in angels, I would venture to guess we could go further in calling upon them to guide us. I know that I could and should call upon my guardian angel more often. Calling regularly to these angels and inviting them to walk with us can help us to avoid trouble altogether.

God’s angels exist so that we never have to walk alone through life.

There are angels all around us, desiring to show us the way up, over, through or around whatever obstacles we face, and on to goodness. No obstacle seems too large — or too small — for the angels.

Never walk alone. Call often for your guardian angels! Trust that they are always nearby, loving you and waiting to assist you.

“Invoke your guardian angel that he will illuminate you and will guide you. God has given him to you for this reason. Therefore, use him!” – St. Padre Pio