Reading: Psalm 91
(Verses 1-8)
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD,
“He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked (NIV).*
Reflection
In the introduction to Psalms 365, I made this blanket statement, “Whatever state you find yourself in, there’s a psalm for that—a psalm for every situation and human need.” That includes a global pandemic—the likes of which we never seen—a pandemic that shuts down the economy and leaves us confined to our homes.
Psalm 91 directly addresses the topic of pandemics. “You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you” (v. 5-7).
Epidemics of various kinds have ravaged humanity for thousands of years including during biblical times. But during the last 150 years, the development of vaccines, and improved hygiene practices have made epidemics rare occurrences.
In such perilous times, what does the psalmist do? He addresses the fear factor. We live in a world where fear is contagious. Will there be another global pandemic, a terrorist attack, a stock market collapse, or a recession? Will my marriage survive? Will my children turn out okay?
Yes, please follow the advice of health professionals. But do you trust the Almighty? Above all else, this psalm calls us to put our trust in a loving heavenly Father. Having come under his wings, we find safety.
Response: Lord God, you are my shelter in a stormy world. I am so safe—so very safe—when I am with you. I want to live each day in the confidence that you care for me as a loving father cares for his dear child. Amen.
Your Turn: If you truly know the loving nature of God, trust should come easily. Does it? What do you use to anchor your faith during troubled times?
* New International Version, Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica
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Heavenly Father,
Heavenly Father,
