SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1090

“Shelter in Place”

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. – Psalm 91:1-3

As the Covid-19 pandemic sweeps the world we see how fragile and vulnerable we really are. Widespread panic fueled by fear is bringing an economic crisis equally as devastating as the virus itself. Those who place their trust in themselves and what they possess are panic-stricken. Christians, who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, need to be a stabilizing force during these difficult times.

PRAY – Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. – Psalm 57:1

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

PREPARE – Even at the time of Passover, the Lord gave specific instructions for preparations to be made. We need to make wise and prudent preparations, without panic or hoarding and always with an eye for those who need our help and encouragement in the Lord.

On that same night I will…bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt. – Exodus 12:12

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith…be strong. – 1 Corinthians 16:13

TRUST – The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. – Psalm 28:7

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. – Psalm 3:3

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. – Isaiah 26:3

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.– Psalm 16:8

HEAR THE WORD – NOT THE HYSTERICAL HYPE – For the righteous will never be moved…He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. – Psalm 112:6-7

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” – Isaiah 41:10-13

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. – Numbers 6:24-26

May you shelter in place in the shadow of the Almighty in Jesus’ Name. Amen