Month: April 2020

Week #4: Secured In Faithfulness

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He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

(Psalm 91:4)

            Have you ever seen an adult bird tuck a baby bird under their wings? The adult bird has the strength of being larger and more mature; has acquired life-learning wisdom; and is alert to the surrounding dangers. The baby chick rests securely, for it is weak and vulnerable dependent on its parent for sustenance. The chick possesses no knowledge of anything beyond the warmth and security of the parent. I always think that is true protection and reliance

            In the simple, yet intimate life of a bird, we are given another source of God’s protection—his faithfulness. Some Bibles use “truth” meaning stability, firmness and reliability.  At first we may be confused to think that the word “truth” is interchangeable with the word “faithfulness.” Yet, isn’t that where the strength and security of our Lord comes from? His truth. The divine instruction of the Bible and the authenticity of Jesus Christ are truth and define the faithfulness of God.

            Romans 3:3 reminds us of the indescribable law at work with God’s faithfulness—it isn’t dependent upon the believer. For whether we believe or not, God’s faithfulness does not change. We are to be the baby bird. The difference for us is how we rest…are we secure and content like a baby bird under its mother’s wings? Or are we panicking constantly peeking between the feathers to make sure all is okay?

Write out and memorize: Psalm 91:4

Reflect: Reflect on this past week and how you have been like a baby bird—tucked comfortably under the refuge of God. Or, have you been filled with doubt and worry peeking through the comforting wings of our loving Father in Heaven.

Prayer: Oh, Lord You are my guardian and stronghold caring for me as a helpless chick. Help me to live out Your faithful promise that not even a hair on my head goes beyond your notice or caring hand (Matthew 10:29-31) Amen.

Worship Song: Promises Never Fail by Bethel Music & Emmy Rose

Week #3 Our Rescuer

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The two scenarios found in Psalm 91:3 are enough to cause fear and panic.  And, once again we are reminded where our security rests. We have the shock-and-awe of an animal snare. A snare is a trap hidden in the forest or jungle. Because it cannot be seen or detected it traps an animal unaware. Another fear is the unseen panic of a deadly pestilence, which we are currently living through the corona virus.

“For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from deadly pestilence.” (Psalm 91:3)

This week as I met with my women’s prayer/fellowship group, we were amazed at the how quickly the corona virus has invaded our lives. In a matter of weeks or months, many of us went from knowing about the virus in China, to a few cases popping up in our area, then to shelter-in-place to stop transmission. Suddenly we have a whole new existence with remote working or unemployment, homeschooling our children, and no face-to-face contact with our neighbors, friends, and church family. For some of you the virus has infected your family, friends and/or neighbors; or you have already lost loved ones to the respiratory illness. And since most of us our nurses or midwives, we are on the front lines caring for patients who are severely sick and dying, while trying to keep our own family from becoming infected.

Through the “shock-and-awe” scenarios of a snare and pestilence found in Psalm 91:3,   we are reminded where our security rests. In our Rescuer–Jesus Christ!  We are protected in his hand. Not immune to disasters or viruses, but secure in his ever present providence (Hebrews 13:5/Psalm 118:6; 1 Chronicles 29:11). God knew about the corona virus, including the who, what, where, when, and how. He even knows the why!

Even though we are vulnerable to the tragedies of this world, we have a secured eternal place with him.  

Reflect: Use an online Bible tool (BlueLetter Bible) to look up the topic “God’s Providence”. Write down the verses and explore how your beliefs about the “hand” of the Lord line up with scripture (Psalm 118:6/Exodus 15:6)

Write out and memorize: Psalm 91:3

Pray/Praise: Father God, You are my rescuer and nothing in my life is outside of Your knowledge. For just as You know when a sparrow falls from a tree, so you know every cell in my body and moment in my life (Matthew 10:29-31).  Thank You and praise You, for from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever! (Romans 11:36). Amen