Coronavirus Wreaking Havoc in Your Life?
Southaven, Ms
By: Mike Upchurch
It hasn’t been easy for a lot of folks since the Coronavirus invaded our lives. We’ve all been impacted in one way or another. Some in far greater ways than others.
There are some who’ve suffered greatly. Funerals could not be attended in normal ways. Sick family members could not be visited. Jobs have been lost. Layoffs are numerous. Many small businesses have shut down with no way to make expenses. These days have been as trying as wartime. In fact we are at war. With a deadly and silent enemy.
But where is YOUR heart these days? How is YOUR faith doing? Have you grown closer to the Lord?
These have been perfect days for prayer and study as you’ve had no choice if self quarantined or sheltered in place.
Today I’d like to do a quick bible study with you and break down a passage very familiar to us all, the 23rd psalm. Let’s look at it verse by verse in light of the Pandemic we’re going through.
- 1. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want
When sheep are in the care of their Shepherd, they have all they need in terms of food, water, and safety. The Lord is YOUR Shepherd and YOUR Caretaker; individually and personally. It’s as if you are the only one in His fold if you’ve surrendered your heart and are trusting Him. He WILL meet your needs if you’re trusting in Him and you won’t want for anything!
- 2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters
No matter what the Coronavirus has done in disrupting our lives, His peace can make it seem as though we’re in a lush green pasture or beside a quiet lake if we’ll rest in Him during this time. His peace is calming and surpasses our natural reaction to be stressed and fearful.
- 3. He restoreth my soul
When I am weary or feeling weak in this battle, I can rest in Him. Ten minutes of prayer followed by quiet resting allows me to be refreshed. Renewal and restoration comes from Him and His presence.
- He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
The gentle voice of the Holy Spirit, if I will listen, will tell me the paths I need to take that are best at this time. Paths of right doing and honesty. Paths that lead me to doing the things which will bring Him glory and honor in the midst of this storm.
- 4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me;
We are surrounded by death daily but I am walking THROUGH this Valley, not setting up camp here. The media reports new deaths daily supposedly attributed to the Coronavirus. But we can walk through this with confidence trusting in Him. I will not fear for He is with me!
- Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.
Remember that He is the Great Shepherd, and He will lead us and protect us. There is safety under the umbrella of His protection, if we stay in His shadow. No weapon formed against us will prosper including Corona!
- 5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.
He sustains us with all that preserves our life, amidst the devil’s plans to destroy us. In the heat of the battle the Lord provides for us, reminding our enemy that we belong to HIM! The devil is witness to God’s faithfulness toward us! It must drive him crazy to see the Lord taking care of us during this Pandemic!
- Thou anointest my head with oil.
We are anointed to be a Prince or a Princess, the Son or Daughter of a King. He gave us the authority to reign with Him though we don’t deserve it. And yes we can reign from home as I’m doing now as I write this.
- My cup runneth over
I have all that I need. I have MORE than I need. My pantry hasn’t been this well stocked in years because of my overshopping! Remember that a heart of gratitude and a heart of giving will open the windows of heaven so that His blessings abound in all areas of your lives.
- 6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.
He has promised this; that those who surrender their hearts and their will to Him will live under the banner of His mercy, grace, and favor in this life, and will live eternally with Him in the afterlife, FOREVER in His presence. So we win here, and we’ll win there too!
So no matter what happens all around us during this Pandemic, WE CAN TRUST HIM! When we resist fear and worry, and trust Him to provide for us, preserve us, care for us, and lead us as a Shepherd would, we will get through this victoriously!
And that’s the way I see it!
Pastor Mike
