by David Chadwick This week, as we wrap up our mini English lesson of pondering prepositions, I hope that you will never look at these small words the same way. I pray that they have shaped your prayer life and will continue to shape your view of God as you abide in him. Let's finish with this final preposition: AROUND. God's presence is all around us. Psalm 139 says he is everywhere and we cannot hide or flee from his presence. Not only that, but Hebrews 12:1-2 says there is a cloud of witnesses around us. Who is in this "cloud of witnesses?" These are the faithful believers who have gone before us to eternity. For me, this would include my mom and dad, my big brother Howard and other loved ones. Who would this be from your life? According to the Bible, they are now cheering us on as we finish our race. They could also be the saints listed in Hebrews 11, those in the Old Testament who walked by faith and anticipated one day the coming of the Chosen One of God, Jesus. That would mean that such saints as Abraham, Enoch, Daniel, and other giants of the faith are in our cloud of witnesses cheering us on to life's finish line. Additionally, Hebrews 1:14 says that angels are "ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation." Their job is to worship and serve God and to care for his elect, his kids, while we are on earth. Are they also in our cloud of witnesses? I think so. So, biblically speaking, we are surrounded by God's presence, by a cloud of witnesses which includes our loved ones, Old Testament saints, and ministering angels. Wow! There is a thin veil that separates this visible, physical, temporal world and the invisible, spiritual, eternal world. Sometimes I can almost feel my dad's presence cheering me on to the finish line. Could it be that God graciously allows him to be one of the ones cheering me on in times of need? I sure like to think that could be the case! How would your day change if you pondered the AROUND preposition all day long? If you really knew there were angels, loved ones and biblical saints surrounding you? If you really knew there were people cheering you on to your life's finish line? I think it would make this race called life both more joyful and peaceful. More relaxing and eventful. Take heart, dear friends. Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33).
