Isaiah 52:12 But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.
When I read Isaiah 52:12, Psalm 139:5 immediately came to mind as it carries that same idea of being surrounded, before and behind, by the Lord. I’m not surprised that there are a number of verses that talk about the Lord or His angels surrounding His people. He promised never to leave us nor forsake us (Heb 13:5).
Psalm 139:5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.
The idea that God is always with me, surrounding me—especially in the difficult times—brings me great comfort. He doesn’t promise to make it all better or make it easy. He just promises that I am not facing life’s trials alone. He is with me—behind and before. He will never leave me nor forsake me. He is in the fire with me. He makes that promise to all of us.
Psalm 34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.
Lord, So many of us are struggling right now. Thank You for being with us, for hemming us in before and behind. Thank You for allowing us to draw closer to You during the dark, uncertain times. Help us to feel Your peace that passes all understanding and Your presence to know that we are not alone. Draw us closer. Amen.
Psalm 125:2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people, both now and forevermore.
Have a blessed day.