We are certainly living through unprecedented times. None of us has ever seen anything like the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the Bible remains to be our guide for truth, direction, and comfort. One scripture passage that is especially relevant to our current situation is the 63rd Psalm.
This particular psalm was written by David when he was in the wilderness in Judah. Some historians believe King David wrote these words when he fled from his throne to escape his rebellious son, Absalom. That would certainly have been a difficult time for him in many ways, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Yet, his words teach us how to keep our souls healthy in times of adversity.
David opened his psalm by admitting, “My soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1, NKJV). Yet, even in that desolate land, David didn’t cast away his hope. Though he was in a position that he had to run for his life, he didn’t run away from his God. David continued to seek the Lord diligently and declared, “I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory” (v. 2).
In every situation, we will see God’s power and glory if we look for Him. God spoke this important promise through the prophet Jeremiah: “You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). That promise doesn’t disappear in the wilderness or in a pandemic. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
One way to draw near to God is to simply remember Him. David wrote, “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches” (Psalm 63:6). He remembered the Lord, and it is critical that we do the same, especially in times of crisis. Remembering the Lord renews our trust in Him, because we always remember that He is good and faithful. “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3).
David continued, “In the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice” (Psalm 63:7). Even in the wilderness, David found a place of rejoicing in the presence of the Lord. And that’s the same place we’ll find our rejoicing even in a worldwide pandemic … in the shadow of His wings.
David then declared, “My soul follows close behind You” (v. 8). You see, your soul will follow what you draw near to. If we give our total attention to news reports and social media, our soul will follow those things. But when we give attention to the Lord, we maintain the proper perspective.
Then, we can say like David, “Your right hand upholds me” (v. 8). When I read this verse, I envision God holding me in the palm of his hand and lifting me up with his strong right arm. When we need strength, support, and stability, His right hand upholds us. What better support could we have?
Yes, we’re living through difficult times. And while we can’t deny the death, destruction, and turmoil going on around the world, we can’t let those things defeat us. We must continue to remember the Lord, seek Him diligently, and find refuge in His presence. And let us especially remember this week that His resurrection power is still alive in us!
Reflections 