My devotional reading concluded Deuteronomy today with the death of Moses. It also included Psalm 91 which is a prayer from the Psalmist in the midst of great times of trouble. It begins…
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.” (Psalm 91:1-6)
This was written during a time when the Psalmist felt great stress over all the threatening things that were around him. Everyday, we are faced with new challenges. Yesterday, the Governor of Illinois issued the Executive “Stay at Home” Order that goes into affect today and initially lasts until April 7. What a dramatic change to our lives. People are feeling more stressed by the minute. Questions continue to arise: “Will I get the coronavirus?” “Will I lose my job?” “What about my family?” “How will this impact my financial well-being in the long-run?” And the list continues to go on and on.
It also raises the question, “What is going to happen next?” Let me be one of the first to assure you that it is going to be just fine. The church has faced difficult times before and God has always seen them through. The Psalmist declared his trust in a holy God as his refuge and fortress. He trusted in God because he knew that God would deliver him regardless of the circumstances. Now, more than ever, it is time to turn your attention to the God of your salvation. Go to His Word to seek Him. Reach out to Him in prayer to let Him know what you are feeling. And, trust Him even in the darkness. He is the Light.
The words of an old hymn ring very true:
“In times like these you need a Savior, In times like these you need an anchor; Be very sure, be very sure Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He’s the One; This Rock is Jesus, the only One! Be very sure, be very sure Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!”
Great words for the times we live.
Remember, I love you and miss meeting with you but I am praying for you and am here for you…
Pastor Mark