Psalm 27

The name "Coronavirus" applied to a group of respiratory infections comes apparently from the appearance of the virus when viewed under an electron microscope, and Covid 19 is the name applied to the particular strain which has traversed the world and caused so much illness and death. With normal everyday activity for most of us and the regular weekly activities of the church ceasing for the foreseeable future, perhaps as Christians we could use the time to draw closer to Jesus our Saviour and in that way turn something very negative into a positive and growing experience. 

Today, I've been thinking about Psalm 27, and this morning about verses 1-3, perhaps you could read them. As darkness seems to close around us and what has been familiar, our connection with others, becomes threatening lets remember

• Verse 1, the Lord is the light of his people. Light gives life, without light life is pretty much impossible, yet our true life is in Jesus. It is the Lord who sheds light on the fears setting them in the light of his presence and power; his sovereign rule of all things.
• David goes on to say that the Lord is also the stronghold of his life. The very name suggests struggle and threat but at the same time it reminds us that we are held securely by the one who loves us and gave himself for us, who said that no-one could pluck us from his hand and I guess that applies to viruses as well!
• Verses 2 & 3.  Well, remembering this truth brings confidence to David. In his case that threat is from enemies around him who would take his life and his kingdom yet he is confident that the threat will come to nothing. Considering what he wrote we have to say that is not self-confidence, it is the Lord who brings to an end the plans of David's enemies and indeed causes their downfall.
• Remembering this his heart is made bold again and his faith is strengthened, so much so that even should the threats increase and he is besieged by trouble, as we increasingly seem to be by threats of illness and even death, he can face the danger and the threats without fear, rather the opposite is true, he is confident, not in himself considering what he has written, but in the Lord his stronghold.

The basis of his and our confidence is not in our ability to control life or the situations that confront us, or the threats to health and life we may face. Truthfully what we can do is always limited, though we should of course take sensible steps. Our confidence rather is in the Lord whose hand is on all things. Ultimately our security and peace is not in this life, as we heard on Sunday morning sickness and disease as much as natural disaster and war is the result of living in a fallen world (see Mark 13) and that applies to us all whatever the age or the place of our dwelling. Paul however has something very helpful to say in resetting our expectations in the light of this reality. You can read it in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.  "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.  For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." ESV.

Today as you pray for this peace and security to fill your heart and soul, pray for those who are most vulnerable, pray for the health care workers and medical staff. Pray for wisdom for governments, and for sense to prevail in people's daily conduct and routine. Remember the elderly and the people shut in, those who are lonely and then give elderly neighbours a call by phone just to see that they are alright or if there is anything they need.

If you've found this helpful feel free to share it with friends. In fact we'd encourage you to do that.

Robert Beggs
​(Minister)

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