In the Shadow of the Almighty

…” Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness…Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you…. If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.  For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go.” (Psalm 91: 5 – 7; 9 – 11 NLT)

The Bible is very real to me.  Whenever I read it, I am always looking for ways to apply what I read to everyday life. I want to live a healthy, balanced, happy life. The Bible does this for me.  Not saying I don’t have stress nor fear; I do. (More than I like to admit) However, the Bible always brings me back to a safe place; It helps remove fears and allows me to live life joyfully despite temporary setbacks; sudden fears; not so good medical reports; unexplained occurrences.

I say all this to say that lately all the news about the Coronavirus, aka COVID-19, is causing a lot of fear and uncertainty. Like I’ve said before, I try not to get caught up in media madness, but sometimes things happen that make me stop and wonder what IS really going on. The main concern is it has hit home; in the United States.  To be honest, when the virus was oversees, I prayed for the people around the world who were being affected.  But, now that it has hit Florida, where we live; as well as Georgia and New Jersey, where family lives, it takes on a whole new meaning.  The news offers a lot of information.  I take in what I can process without being overwhelmed and leave the rest.  I follow the precautions of frequent hand washing, adequate rest, healthy food, exercise and plenty of water. I am blessed by my niece, Tracey, who called and offered expert homeopathic advice.  Then, I started searching the scriptures for Biblical support.

Psalm 91: 1 -16 gave me what I was searching for – peace in the midst of uncertainty.

Please join me.  Read Psalm 91: 1 – 16 whenever stress or fear creeps in. Claim God’s promises as your own. Hopefully, you will experience a peace that puts your mind at ease.  That’s my desire for me and for you.  A life still filled with hope, peace, joy and ease in the face of uncertainty.

Dear Father, help me realize I am not alone.  Help me realize You are so much bigger than anything that appears to be scary and out of control.  Help me to always remember I can hold onto Your promises and live a joyful, peaceful, happy life, despite uncertainties, as I lean on You.  Thank You Father!! Amen!

P.S.   I love the New Living Translation and the New Century Version of the Holy Bible because I can relate to the wording.  I substitute “I” or “Larry, Angel and I” when reading the scriptures to personalize it; it makes me feel empowered.  I do the same when I pray for others; I substitute their names in the scriptures to personalize it for them.  Why not try this and see if it does the same for you.