Over the last several months, news reports have highlighted concerns about workers and residents in care and nursing homes. Lack of protective equipment for the staff and concern that the elderly are more susceptible to COVID-19 have made people fearful. Our gratitude for the unselfed dedication of those caring for others during this time is immeasurable, and we can support them and their patients in our prayers.

These facilities should be safe sanctuaries, places of shelter, love, and healing. In my prayers, I started to think about the words care and home. To care is to provide for what someone needs, for what is necessary for the health, welfare, and protection of another. The well-loved Psalm 91 promises that God is our shelter and safe place, reassuring us that we can place all our trust in Him to care for His people, and that those who trust in Him find safety and protection.

The question might arise, But how can God take care of all of us at the same time? The same psalm promises, “God will put his angels in charge of you” (verse 11, Good News Translation). God’s angels in charge of each and every one of us! Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, writes, “Angels are God’s representatives” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 299). How comforting to know that God’s representatives are with us, to comfort, care for, and guide, as well as to protect—sometimes from dangers we are not even aware of. In the midst of fear, we can quietly listen for His angels and heed the messages they bring us.