Check out this picture I took over the weekend. To me, it meant something very personal. I’ve been studying Psalm 91 so when I witnessed these birds with outstretched wings at Animal Kingdom’s Safari, it was the perfect reminder that He is our refuge. Let me explain.
Did you know that when danger strikes a hen, chicken protocol looks like this: the mama hen spreads her wings while clucking, and the babies run for cover under her protective shield. We, just like those chicks, need to know where to go when danger strikes. Listen, we have a role to play. God has his wings spread and ready to protect. What do we do as we face this virus pandemic? We must run to the father resting under his sheltering wing. This act of obedience shows trust.
God’s promises stand. He is our protector. Period.
Psalm 46:1 reminds us of that truth, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
The birds at Disney may not have had little chicks under their wings but they were standing with great authority. They reminded me that we can stand on God’s promise in Psalm 91:4 that states “…under his wings YOU WILL find refuge.”
Psalm 91:3-4
For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
And from the deadly pestilence (fatal or infectious disease)
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Let’s focus on 6 things Christians must do:
- Stop worrying. One of our family’s go-to scriptures is Phil 4:6-7 which we paraphrase as, “Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything.” This virus has traction, but our God is our protector. Do you grasp what that truly means? When fear strikes, head to Psalm 91. It’s my favorite all-covering protection psalm, a perfect reminder of His ability to protect. What can you do today? Speak his promises to build your faith. It’s not a magical psalm, it’s a faith-building psalm. The more you read, the more you trust. Scroll down to see Psalm 91 with blanks to add names to personalize the prayer.
- Get into the Word. Open your Bible. You will find the assurance you need when you read verses reminding you God protects. He can protect you better than any mask, any quarantine, or vitamin. The word of God is alive and active. Speak the word over yourself, your family, and our nation. Here are some verses to absorb: 2 Samuel 22:1-3, Psalm 84:11, Proverbs 2:7-8, Matthew 6:25-27, Psalm 118:6
- Recognize the author. This virus is a direct attack from the enemy. John 10:10 warns that the enemy “comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” Viruses are being used by a defined enemy for purposes of destruction. However, Christians are in place, ready to rebuke and speak against the power and assignment of this virus. Our prayer and faithful response will shorten its duration and affect. In the name of Jesus, we boldly rebuke this virus, holding our shield of faith as we put out the fiery arrows sent straight from the devil himself (Ephesians 6:16).
- Wake up and hit your knees. First thing in the morning, ask for God to direct and lead your day. Ask him for wisdom and discernment (James 1:5). God is not surprised or shocked by the spread of this virus. Don’t panic. He is in control. Are you going to trust Him for protection or freak out? Ask God to specifically replace your fears with faith. Read 2 Timothy 1:7 to remind you that God DID NOT give you the spirit of fear. He gave you power, love, and a sound mind.
- Educate yourself. Filter what you hear through God’s faith lens, not the media’s fear-driven lens. Read articles with statistics not opinions.
- Prepare your home for the possibility of being quarantined. Store enough supplies and food for your family and enough to share too. Let me know if you need help with a supply list.
Let’s remember our DNA is one of faith. We have everything we need to stand against the enemy. We are equipped and ready to fight this battle using the word of God. The last thing we need are scaredy-cat Christians joining the fear force. Remember we have nothing to fear. God is our protector. He is our refuge. We are armed with His power. Let’s claim the peace offered amidst the chaos. Rest in this verse, John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
We’re in this together!
Hunger for GREATER 