We are able to face many difficult or dangerous situations if we feel that we are not alone. God assures the Israelites that on their perilous journey through the desert His personal representative, an angel, will travel with them. The word angel means messenger, and in the Bible it is always understood that having an angel with us is almost the same as having God there personally. From Genesis to the Book of Revelation angels are continually popping up when people are at their most desperate situation. Their first words are almost always "Don't be afraid". When we are lonely or struggling, instead of giving way to despair, let us ask God to send His messenger to comfort and protect us.

Little children usually have invisible playmates, and one can often hear a child carrying on a long and intense conversation with an unseen companion. They are open to everything and filled with wonder. Then they get older, and they are told that they must stop this nonsense, for there are no invisible playmates. They become adults - cynical, doubting, fearful, and "sophisticated". Children behold the angels of God without pretence or embarrassment. Jesus challenges us to have that sort of simplicity and trust, and to reclaim our birthright as children of God. We are never, ever, alone.