When the world feels like it is crashing in around you, read this psalm! As we are looking at God’s character from the perspective of his majesty and grace, these verses remind us of his great love and care for us. We may be disappointed by friends and family, but God is steadfast and true.
There are some great images here for us to cling to. I have always liked the picture of a mama bird huddling her chicks close when I read, “He will shelter you with his wings.” Moms can be very protective! I always found it comforting to find my mom when I fell and scraped my knee or broke up with a boy at school. Moms are great, but God protects us even more!
“His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” I remember how my husband’s parents always “put on their armor” every day. When we visited, they helped us put ours on, too. You can read more about the armor of God here.
The line, “Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday” couldn’t be more timely. As I write this entry, we are in the 2nd year of a global pandemic with no end in sight. A little bit later in the psalm, “If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.”
While I totally agree that we need to take shelter with God as our refuge, I have to wonder about the plague part. I’ve known plenty of God-fearing people who have gotten the COVID-19 virus. I suppose it could mean they were infected outside of their residence. Not every prophetic word applies in every situation either. But it’s still a promise I’m going to claim!
This time reading this passage made me focus on the pandemic more. I wrote on this same passage long before the pandemic. It’s always fun to see how the Bible is alive. You can see how this same passage spoke to me a little different that time. Read here.
Pick a closing image to cling to. For the Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.” He also protects, listens, answers prayer, honors, and saves us. Allow yourself to feel God’s peace today.
Let’s pray. Father, you are my safe place where I feel protected and loved. No matter what is going on in the world, you stay the same. You love me and shelter me. May I feel your comfort today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
