Living in a world filled with uncertainly is like trying to stand in a pool of quicksand, and many are sinking under its pull. COVID-19 has brought a new type of uncertainty and uneasiness to our communities. Almost everyone, in some way, is feeling the effects of this terrible virus. Americans are affected from a shortage of many daily necessities (toilet paper, hand sanitizers, etc.) to increased unemployment as well as store and school closings. Getting through such times, for most, is a great challenge. How can a person possibly pillow his head at night during times like these? Where can we turn amid such uncertainty? Christians can turn to God’s Word in general and Psalm 91 in particular. Would you, Dear Reader, take just a couple minutes to read Psalm 91 and consider some helpful observations from it?
Firstly, God is our shadow (vs. 1). “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” When we consider the nature of a shadow, we learn that a shadow is over us and far beyond the spot where we currently find ourselves. As humans, we cannot know for sure what lies ahead of the here and now. What will tomorrow bring? Will I suffer sickness, disease or failure? What a metaphor for the God we serve! God sees more than we can ever see, and God knows more than we can ever know. We can rest easy, even during trying times, knowing that God is our shadow, covering us with His love and mercy!
Secondly, God is our shelter (vs. 2). “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust”. Where can we go to avoid life’s problems and defeats? No matter where we go upon this earth, we are not completely “covered” or “quarantined” from earth’s struggles! However, when we climb into the Almighty, His sheltering care stops all of this world’s fears. The idea portrayed here is of a garrison or an impenetrable fort where those who are inside find security and safety. What a metaphor for God Almighty. Ultimately, outside forces will never hurt those who are truly “in God”! “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”!
Thirdly, God is our Savior (vs. 3). “Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.” Given the current crisis in our nation regarding COVID-19, it appears as though this verse was just penned. However, no matter the problem, pestilence or pain, God is the only deliverer on Whom we can truly count. Our nation is currently seeking a vaccine and an antidote for the terrible coronavirus. While I hope that there are advances in the medical field regarding such, vaccines, hospitals, medical professionals and all other human deliverers are not the real answer. God is the only One that can truly deliver mankind. Praise Him for being our Savior!
Fourthly, God is our shield (vs. 4). “He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” Mankind is daily seeking to be “covered” and “protected” from the horrific virus that has flooded our world. Dear Reader, there is simply no human invention that can completely and wholly cover us and protect us from this pandemic or any other worldly problem that we may face. However, God as our shield gives us the protection for which we long and for which we wait. Resting in God deflects the enemies of fear and doubt during these uncertain times! God’s defense is on every front and no aspect is beyond His infinite reach!
Now notice carefully the result that comes to those who have God as their shadow, shelter, Savior and shield.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. (Psalm 91:5-16)
While I am completely aware of the fact that COVID-19 may take my life and may take the lives of many whom I love, the truth of the matter is that if COVID-19 does not take my life, unless the Lord returns first, something will eventually take my life on this earth. Dear Readers, our strength in not in this life but rather in the life to come. I know that if I completely trust in God and obey His commands, one day my life will end here, and I will be escorted into a much better place! God is the real answer to COVID-19 as well as any other problem this world can bestow upon us. Serve God faithfully all of the days of your life and trust in Him completely, especially during times like these!
