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Dear Friends: As the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to spread around the world and spill into our community, it is vital for us to keep turning to the Lord. We have walked through Psalm 91 this week in a fair amount of detail. I will be bringing a message from this text tomorrow during our worship service. But I am diving a bit deeper into the verses during these daily thoughts.

Today we look at verses Psalm 91:5-6

“You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.”

First, notice how these verses alternate between night and day – night/day/darkness/noonday. It’s like the Psalmist reminds us that the Lord’s protection regardless of time of day. It is not like God does protecting work from 8-430 with a half hour break for lunch and then He’s done until tomorrow. God’s protecting care remains on 24/7.

I especially appreciate that first promise. “You will not fear the terror of the night.” Night terrors plague some people more than others. I think part of the reason this happens is because of our semi-conscious state at times throughout the night. We half wake up and our sub-conscious fears mix with the darkness that sometimes strikes us with terror. But we need not fear those moments when we remember the Lord is constantly on guard.

“The arrow that flies by day” likely refers to some significant problem that arises one day that we did not anticipate or expect. A family member gets in an accident or becomes seriously ill; we have a major problem at work or school; or maybe multiple stressors contribute to a massive headache by noon. But none of these “surprises” surprise the Lord. He knew what would come and walks with us through each trial.

How about that picture of pestilence in the third phrase – “pestilence that stalks in the darkness.” That accurately describes the way disease works. One moment we’re going along with life as normal. Then apparently suddenly, we are struck down by some sickness or disease. The same is true for many today as they may gradually or suddenly sense the symptoms of the virus come upon them. But the verse exhorts us again to not fear even with this reality. Why? The protecting care of the Lord remains. He saw the pestilence stalking. Nothing surprises Him. So we can go to Him even when struck down with sickness for His care and concern.

Lastly, we need not fear the “destruction that wastes at noonday.” This refers to some day-altering or life altering event that occurs in the middle of the day. Somehow it wastes or brings major destruction. But the Lord is also present and protecting during such an event.

The Psalmist exhorts us to keep trusting in the Lord as our refuge and fortress because of His protective care in all situations. That is my encouragement to all of us today. Our lives have changed this week. Yet the Lord’s protective care remains for those who dwell in the shelter of the Almighty.

God bless.
Sincerely, PT

Hope some of you can join us tomorrow for the livestream by CLICKING HERE.