Psalm 143:9-10
9 Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord!
I have fled to you for refuge.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me
on level ground!
Who is the enemy that you need to be delivered from? For most of us right now we say our enemy is a tiny virus. We live with varying levels of concern because we never know where or when this microscopic enemy might attack. And because it’s so small we take precautions: wearing masks, washing hands, social distancing, and all the things that protect us from a physical assault. We know of the assorted ways to protect our bodies, but what are you doing to protect your mind?
Just like the virus is a physical enemy many of us are also dealing with mental enemies. Social distancing has got a lot of people feeling, among uncountable other emotions, isolated and alone. And to be clear feeling lonely has nothing to do with the number of people around you. Whether you are in a crowded stadium or hiding in a bunker there are times that we can feel alone. It is in these times that we must seek refuge; we must find a place that feels safe enough to deal with all that life is throwing at us.
God wants to be that place for you. In the confusion of life, God can be the one unchanging constant we have to rely on. As we spend time in the word, we learn to do God’s will and can be reminded of ways to find our way back from the mayhem to level ground. When we spend time reading the Bible, we see how living and active it is. There can be a passage that you’ve read or heard preached a thousand times, but that thousand and first time it speaks to you and your current circumstance in a new and exciting way.
Hiding some of the word in your heart also allows it to come out and remind you that you are loved no matter how lost you feel. God loves you and has given us the means to learn more and grow closer. Randomly cracking open your Bible may not instantly solve the problems you are facing, however, it will constantly remind you that you don’t need to face your problems alone.