May I therefore humbly suggest that you find a friend that you can pray with everyday during this crisis. While the passage this verse is found in may relate primarily to sorting out sin and relationship problems in the church, it also tells us that we can find God’s help and guidance, whenever we join together in agreement in prayer. Jesus also said, “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:19). Joshua 23 10 says, ” One of you routs a thousand, because the Lord your God fights for you, just as He promised”. However, at this crucial time, I would like to suggest that we look at things from a different perspective. This protection is further emphasized in verse 7 of Psalm 91.Īs I was reflecting on Psalm 91:7 and the reference to ‘thousand and ten thousand falling’, it seemed so very similar to what we are experiencing around the world today. However, we are assured once again of God’s protection at all times of the day (refer words like night, day, darkness, midday). Verses 3 and 5-6, show us the stark reality of two threats we face in life the threat from enemies (fowler’s snare and arrows) and the terror of disease epidemics (pestilence and plagues). Why then, should we allow fear and anxiety to overwhelm us? Two Threats: They still stand firm today and the fort is a much visited heritage site.Īs we consider the 7 symbols of protection shown above, let’s be truly encouraged by the defence mechanisms the Lord has given us. G) Rampart – I am reminded of the walls of the historic fort built in the city of Galle, in my country Sri Lanka, hundreds of years ago.
We are right now in the middle of a very different but dangerous war. It was a favorite of mine in my younger days and was titled ‘In the shelter of your eyes’).ī) His Shadow – Similar to a shade that protects from the blazing sun or torrential rain.Ĭ) A Refuge – The Longman Dictionary describes ‘Refuge’ as “A place that provides protection or shelter from danger”.ĭ) A Fortress – Providing protection to a cityĮ) His Wings – Resembling the tenderness with which a mother bird protects her offspringį) A Shield – Used in times of war and which can be used now, when the enemy fires his darts at us. Can we reflect on God’s shelter as well? (Not sure why, but as I type this, the words of a song written and recorded by the ‘Gentle Giant’ of country music, Don Williams, comes to mind. They are Ī) His Shelter – We hear of many shelters today including nuclear shelters, bomb shelters and doomsday shelters. Verses 1-4 of the Psalm illustrate at least 7 powerful symbols of God’s protection. The first two verses of both segments (verses 1-2 and 9-10), carry very similar thoughts, reminding us, and reiterating, that God’s protection rests on His children. This Psalm of 16 verses can be broken down into two sections, the first being verses 1-8, and the second being verses 9-16. So, during this difficult time, let’s do all we can to bless others, under the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit. That it would bring great comfort to literally thousands and millions of people through the passage of history, and to thousands more, facing a deadly virus in 2020! This should encourage us to know that anything we do for the Lord, no matter how insignificant it may seem at present, can touch many, many lives, not just for the present, but for future generations as well.
Isn’t it amazing that the author of such a beautiful portion of scripture is unknown.Īs the author wrote the words of the Psalm under the anointing and guidance of the Holy Spirit, he probably never dreamt of what would happen. However, some of the Psalms don’t have such a clearly defined author and interestingly, one such Psalm is Psalm 91! The NIV Study Bible in its notes says, “It was probably written by one of the temple personnel (a priest or Levite) as a word of assurance to godly worshippers”. Some of the authors are David, Solomon, Moses, Asaph, Korah, Heman and Ethan. Most of the 150 Psalms recorded in the Bible have a clearly defined author. Do keep your Bible open to Psalm 91 as you read. Through this article, I would like to share my thoughts as well regarding this beautiful Psalm. One such passage people often turn to for comfort is Psalm 91.Īs I look at social media today, I find many people sharing either the entire passage of Psalm 91 or at least parts of it, to strengthen others. In times of crisis however, the children of God, as it has happened right through history, can find encouragement and comfort through the promises of God. No one seems safe anymore and everyone is searching for methods of protection. With the Coronavirus sweeping across almost all borders, fear and anxiety has gripped hearts around the world.