As we continue our theme on Abiding this week, here is Psalm 91.
Psalm 91 is a psalm I’ve heard plenty of people quoting and talking about as the coronavirus has taken our attention. People have been quoting verse 3 and 6 as protection from the virus as it talks about the deadly pestilence. I think this is a fair approach to the psalm, but before we go quoting this psalm in the face of coronavirus we should remember even the devil used this psalm to tempt Jesus in the wilderness in Matthew and Luke 4.
For our theme of abiding, the psalm opens with this, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most high will rest/abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Dwelling and abiding words open this psalm and I think speak hope to us in this time of pandemic regardless of the verses about the deadly pestilence.
This Psalm is also comforting as it speaks of God as our refuge and fortress, God in whom we trust. It describes God as a mother bird covering us and sheltering under his wings. God’s faithfulness, not ours, but God’s faithfulness will be our shield and rampart.
For this reason there is no need to fear day or night, enemies seen or unseen because God is our refuge where we abide.
The Lord is my refuge, not just shepherd, and you dwell in God, the psalmist promises us no harm will overtake us, no disaster come near you, because God will guard you and protect you, and be with you in trouble.
It’s a very reassuring psalm and one that we can pray and read throughout this crisis because it reminds us to remain, to abide, to dwell with God and that God is present with us in all things, therefore we will not fear.
But what happens if we pray this psalm and yet we come down with coronavirus or get sick, or someone we love dies does it mean this psalm isn’t true anymore?
That’s the question will look at next as we consider what it means to abide in love, abide in God through this. Perhaps we need a perspective shift about ultimate reality. Jesus will help us explore that next time.
Until then, here are some more lyrics from “Abide with Me.”
Abide with me! Fast falls the eventide.
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
I fear no foe, with you at hand to bless.
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, your victory?
I triumph still, if you abide with me.
Hold then your cross before my closing eyes.
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life and death, O Lord, abide with me.
Grace and Peace to you, Amen.