The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah. Psalm 46:6-7
We’re living in a unique time. There have been times before where we’ve had epidemics and pandemics. Many times. We’ve had things like earthquakes, fires, floods, and hurricanes. All are historically present and documented. Around 100 years ago, the world experienced the Spanish Flu causing the demise of millions. The words of Ecclesiastes 1:9 echo to us, calling us to remember:
What has been is what will be,
and what has been done is what will be done,
and there is nothing new under the sun.
But what is really different from just 100 years ago is the rapidity of these things coming to us from everywhere, and their sheer volume. You’d really need to be like the ‘three wise monkeys’ and see, hear, and speak no evil not be buried by these messages. They’re everywhere we look, in everything we hear, and yes, sometimes, in our own words.
With all the fear-speak we hear every day, sometimes the noise level gets to be so ‘in our face,’ it’s really difficult to not get caught up in it. We don’t have the strength to push back on our own. The image I see is someone trying to push a boulder uphill. Pretty impossible to do on our own. But we don’t have to!
The words that speak loudest among the clamorous noise listed in the passage as well as our lives these days are the words “The Lord of hosts is with us”. Despite those around us who might tell us otherwise, or what we might be feeling ourselves, God is with us. He is present. He knows what’s going on, he knows what we’re feeling, and he knows what we need. He is our fortress.
It’s important to be aware of things necessary to remain reasonably safe, but it’s also important to remember ‘who’s got us in his hand.’ As you go along during your day, perhaps spot checking what the latest news is, keep this in mind. As the feeling of fear starts to creep its way into your awareness, call on God. Say his name, either verbally, or even in your heart, and use the power of The Name over those spirits who are the harbingers of fear. Rest in God’s presence, for he is with you.
By Rich Obrecht
