Lessons Learned In A Pandemic (Part III): As I was writing the previous post, I ran across Psalm 91. Initially, I wanted to tag it along with the previous post. But, then I thought about it and said, no, this is a WHOLE word in itself. I wanted to take a look at Psalm 91, because it is so relevant to this pandemic period we find ourselves in. I hope that this gives someone hope and confidence in Christ, as our continuous protector. Let’s get right into it. (This is the New Living Translation.)
1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
If we intentionally seek him for protection, he will keep us in the shadow of his being, in which we will find rest. I thought about it and said, why the shadow? When you think of shadow, maybe even your own shadow, it is created because light is shining on you. You also see that your shadow moves EVERYWHERE you move, but only if you are standing in light. That is how I see this verse. God is the light, and if we stay with him, he will stay with us, protect us, and give us rest. But it’s conditional. If you are not in that light (abiding in his shelter), then none of these things can apply.
2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.
I believe this verse is very straight forward. However, I want to emphasize the fact that this is also conditionally. If you trust in him, he will be your refuge, a place that you can run to in times of trouble, a safe place.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.
I like how it says I will rescue you. It highlights the fact that even if sickness or disease touches us, he will rescue and protect us from that. The deadly disease we are facing today is COVID-19. Disclaimer: does this mean that we go around and do things anyhow? Definitely not. However, this is the faith that we have in Christ. We know that the Word of God says that if we have faith as small as a mustard seed, we can move mountains (Matt 17:20). Faith plays a huge role here.
4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
When I look at this verse, I think of an eagle, spreading their wings and literally wrapping it around a small bird. The wings completely cover the small bird. That’s how I envision us and God. We know that our God is faithful and just, once he has said something, he will do it. If he said he will be our armor and our protection, he will.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.
I would like to think about this deeper than sickness and plagues, but also as attacks that come from the enemy. We should not be afraid, because as we know, he fights on our behalf against our enemies. It is hard at times, but allowing fear to rule in our mind and our thoughts is like being in a prison that you can get out of, but you have put yourself in.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
This goes back to my last post about our mindset towards this current pandemic. As much as it is a change and makes us uncomfortable, as the Word admonishes us, we should not dread this season, or any other season for that matter. I strongly believe everything happens for a reason. You are alive, make the most of it, with God being your helper.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.
If you are still alive and well today, you are a living testimony to this verse. We have seen so many people pass on and die around us, even beyond this year. We have seen so many horrific things, sad things, death and loss all around us. However, God continues to protect us from all of these things and continues to keep us safe.
Let’s take this book and this chapter and let’s pray:
Father, we thank you for your protection. Not only your protection from sickness and disease, but also being my protection from the hands of the enemy and the schemes of the enemy. Thank you for being faithful. Thank you for being consistent, to the point where we can put our trust in you. Father, may you increase the faith that we have in you and may we trust in you. Father, may we also not forget your Sovereignty, and the fact that in your wisdom, you also do as you please. Be a shield around us.