We are still in the midst of a pandemic and it’s extremely important to know God’s amazing power and presence for times like these. The Word of God declares in Psalm 91:1-6, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust. Surely, He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.”
First, let’s look at this extremely frightening word in this text. “Pestilence!” It means a dreaded disease, an epidemic, or pandemic occurrence of sickness that has caused many
deaths (over 800K worldwide at this printing). From Biblical times to this date, there have been diseases that have had their adverse effects throughout history. Epidemics and pandemics will come and go until Jesus returns. There will be diseases that will disrupt daily life and may lead to the destruction of many lives. What determines your peace and eternal destination is the faith you live out before the God of heaven and earth, your relationship with Jesus Christ, and your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
Finding peace during pestilence and living through a pandemic begins by understanding that God is a personal God. Paul called him, “MY GOD” in Philippians 4.
The Old Testament gives us His personal names. Unlike today, in ancient times a person’s name was more than just a likable label. Hebrew names weren’t like cute and trendy—they described the person that carried the name. King David means “beloved.” The prophet Samuel means “God has heard.” Elijah means “my God is YAHWEH.”
First, The Most-High (E-lyon): He cannot be compared to anyone, He is above all things, He owns and is ruler over everything. Supreme! Nothing above Him. The Most-High God. Do not fear the enemy who tries to intimidate you. Know that your God is the Most-High God. There is none above Him. Jesus Christ is exalted high above every name.
Next, Almighty (Shad-da-i): Gives us the awareness of God being all-powerful, all-sufficient, a Sovereign ruler who is present all the time. Absolute power! The creator. Supernatural (above the natural). God Almighty, the mighty One of Jacob. God is not just another ‘god’ like the countless idols. He truly is the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth.
3. Lord(Yah-weh) Reveals God’s nature in the highest and fullest sense, stressing His absolute faithfulness to fulfill His promises. The “Self-existent One.” He is my Refuge (Mah-si)
4. Fortress (Elo-hi-m): The Lord is My Fortress! This reveals to us God’s intensity in revealing His power, preservation and preparation. God is creator, powerful and mighty,
Lord of lords. He is the Lord Most-High, stronger and mightier than anyone or anything. When you face impossible circumstances or adversaries, now that your God is stronger.
God is the one to look to when we’re navigating through an epidemic or pandemic. We will make it through these troublesome days depending on our Almighty God.
I’m looking forward to seeing you September 29 at Montgomery 1st for our ‘One Day Council.” Make plansto join us for this important day. Thank you for your ministry partnership.