Psalm 91:1-4 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” 3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper And from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
It seems that our church, our county, our state, and even the whole country is facing a new surge of COVID. Please be in prayer for our church families. While there is high potential for loss and difficulty, there is also high potential for the common grace of “herd immunity”. Pray for God’s mercy. It has seemed to me from the beginning of this pandemic that this was another general “beginning of birth pangs” (Matthew 24:8; Luke 21:11) rather than a specific judgment of God for sin. He may use it that way in some peoples’ lives (Luke 13:1-5), but so far, people catch COVID because they are human, not because they are more sinful than anyone else.
While it is a scary disease, with unique implications for each family – the believer doesn’t need to fear. Psalm 91 describes our position as being under the shelter and shadow of the Almighty. The Psalmist declares in response, “My refuge and my fortress, My God in whom I trust!” And he specifically mentions the protection God provides from “pestilence.” He promises, “He will cover you…” and therefore encourages the reader, “…under His wings you may seek refuge.” Even His angels are given charge to help protect us (91:11).
As we pray through this trial, we should pray for God’s healing. He is the Great Physician, is powerful and can heal (James 5:14-15). But let’s also pray that our hearts would eargerly seek refuge and hope in Him. That we would face this trial without fear, because of God’s strength and protection.
Of course, our ultimate hope is in our physical resurrection. He has promised this to us. He has proven it through His own rising from the dead (1 Thess. 4:13-18). Even though heaven and earth should pass away, His promise will never fail (Matthew 24:35). Hang in there…and hang onto the Lord.
Thanks! See you Sunday,
Pastor Dave