Psalm 91:5-10 (NKJV) 5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, 6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. 8 Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, 10 No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
I believe 2020 is to be a year of restoration. We have looked at some things that God promises to restore and there are many more in his Word. In light of the current situation I thought it necessary to share another kind of restoration. We might call it restoration of peace and faith in times of trouble.
I want to make it clear that I believe in obeying the powers that be. Romans 13 says that this is our responsibility. I am not saying that we should not use wisdom when it comes to protecting those around us from the spread of this virus. Although it seems to me that the panic surrounding this does not match the severity of the disease at the moment, we cannot know what will come out over the next weeks and months. I can certainly see why the government feels the need for such measures. If they did nothing and this became something much more than it is now, they would be accountable.
That said, how I react personally is not a reflection of anything or anyone else. I believe the Word of God. I believe the Word of God to be the highest truth in the universe. I believe that God created the physical universe by speaking his Word and I believe the physical universe will still respond to the Word of God. The first key to all things related to God and his power is faith. What do we really believe? We can choose to believe the Word of God above all else and we can believe that faith in his Word can and will affect our lives right here on earth. That is my deeply held conviction and it has provided me with a good and effective life.
Is this virus dangerous? It seems to be. Should we take precautions? Certainly. Is there something more that we can do? I believe there absolutely is. What I am going to say next seems to be a little out of fashion in the church right now. It seems to me, and I may be wrong, that many in the church see an active faith in the Word of God as unrealistic or even proud. I submit that to believe what God says in his word is not proud. It is the highest form of submission to God. He and his word are one (John 1:1.) What does the Word say about things like this virus. This scripture is certainly applicable.
The first statement made in verse 5 is, “You shall not be afraid.” There is reason to fear in this section of scripture. Many calamities are mentioned here. In verse 5 it even calls one of them the “terror by night.” There are attacks and arrows and destruction. David, the most likely author, is surrounded by it both day and night. We read that a thousand may fall at his side and ten thousand at his right hand. It is certainly normal for a person to fear when things like that are happening. Even so, the Word says that we should not fear.
What might have been happening at this time to cause David to write this? Some commentaries say this was written during the plague in 2 Samuel 24. This was caused when David disobeyed God and numbered the people. God brought a judgement on the people because of something David did wrong. If this is what inspired this psalm, it is fair to say that David had no right to expect God to protect him, yet he clearly does.
As we consider what is happening in our world today, we can find many things to blame. Certainly, there are questions about the virus’ origins. Some will blame government for not acting soon enough. Some are blaming people who are not following the guidelines set down by the government for the continued spread. I have to say that I am not so sure that the rampant acceptance of sin has not opened the door to the enemy of mankind to bring such things to the earth. Am I saying this is God’s judgement? I leave that to others to determine.
What I am saying is that, in light of this Psalm, it does not matter. If Psalm 91 was written because of Davids sin, it shows us clearly that God is bigger than his sin. What does matter is how we respond. David’s response was twofold. In 2 Samuel we can read about his repentance. Is there something we need to repent of in this situation? I believe repentance is personal once we are saved. By that I mean that each of us must determine when we need repentance. For myself, I believe in a repentant heart. If I suspect something is sin, I repent of it. I just do not see any downside to that. In this case, I am not sure repentance per se is the answer.
What we see in this Psalm is direction in how to respond. The Word of God tells David that he does not have to fear. The reason he can rise above fear is the first few verses, especially verse 1.
Psalm 91:1 (NKJV) 1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
If I dwell in the secret place of the most high and under the shadow of his wings, he is my protection. If I have done something wrong, like David, I should repent and get back under his shadow. If I have not, I need to believe that is my place. I need to meditate on God and his protection. I need to go to him in prayer and worship so that the shadow of his protection becomes more and more real in my life. I need to fill my mind with the Word of God to strengthen my awareness of this shadow. As I do that, God will restore peace, faith and confidence to me. I will not fear because I am under his shadow of protection.
Of course, the thing that is very pertinent to this time is what is spoken of in verse 6 and verse 10. Verse 6 says pestilence. The word can mean a number of things, but plague is one of them. Verse 10 uses the word plague. This word means a sore, a plague or a stricken person. I think it is safe to apply this to those stricken by this virus. In both verses it says the same thing about it. In verse 6 it says that it will not come by me while in verse 10 it says it will not come near my dwelling. That is the Bible. It was true for David, but it is true for us as well. We can believe this promise because of 2 Corinthians 1:20.
2 Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV) 20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
This is clearly a promise. It is a promise of God and therefore it is given to us in Christ Jesus.
What should we do? We should obey our leaders. We should use wisdom. We should take whatever precautions our conscience and our hearts tell us to take. We should also believe this promise. We should spend some of this time we find ourselves with under the shadow of his protection. We should read this promise and others.
As for me, this is what I believe. No matter how many others may get it, it will not come near me. This virus will not come near my dwelling. How can I say that? Psalm 91 is a higher truth than the communicability of the virus. I will do what is required, but I will not do it in fear. I will not get this virus therefore I cannot pass it on. How do I know. The same way I know Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so and I choose to believe that above all else. If you want to think me foolish or naive, time will tell. I have no doubt as to the outcome.
If you get it, there is no condemnation. Continue to believe for God’s protection and his healing. If you do not think it is possible to believe what I am believing, I will not condemn you but do not condemn me either. I choose not to fear. So can you.
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