It has been about a week since the coronavirus really started impacting most of our lives. Since then, the economy has slowed almost to a halt, and the stock markets of the world have crashed. Some people are working from home, while others are laid off indefinitely. Supplies and products that have always been readily available are suddenly in short supply.
What has brought this upon us is a virus, a disease, a pestilence. The world is under attack by something we can’t even see, but we are fighting back. For most of us, the fight means limiting as much as possible our exposure to this virus so the infection rate can stop climbing. We are evading the attack, and our lives have been dramatically changed as a result.
In the days before he was recognized as the king of Israel, David was under attack. King Saul knew that he had failed and that David was to be his successor. King Saul was intent on killing David, using all the military power at his disposal. David’s response was to evade King Saul’s attacks. The story is told in 1 Samuel chapters 13-31. It is a great story, filled with action and intrigue.
Today’s Lectionary reading includes Psalm 23. The 23rd Psalm was written by King David, most likely near the end of his life. It remains is one of the most recognized passages in scripture. These words continue to bring comfort in times of trouble, in times like ours:
Psalm 23 (ESV)
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me like down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
*Pete Celano – Campus Shepherd