If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you. (Ps. 91:9–10)
“This virus will most likely wipe us all out.” Such statements have echoed repeatedly across the continent of Africa, in the midst of both past and present pandemics such as AIDS/HIV, Ebola, malaria, tuberculosis, and more recently, COVID-19.
The facts and predications have certainly raised concern about the destiny of a people, especially with the high levels of poverty and poor health systems across Africa. Yet Christians around the world unrelentingly hold belief in the power of God to sustain and to deliver. Many have looked nowhere but to the God of our salvation. David the songwriter posed a question and then answered it under the inspiration of God’s Spirit. He boldly wrote, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?” (Ps. 121:1). His response demonstrates the conviction of a people whose faith has not shifted an inch in trusting the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
Pestilence and plagues that destroy will continue to threaten the population of the world. We must consider: Whose report will you believe? Where will you find refuge in times of evil and trouble? Where will you run in the midst of all the racial tension and social injustices? Your ultimate hope must be in God Almighty, the Savior of the world. We can find no authentic security in this world outside God’s gracious presence.
Dwell and rest in the shelter of the Most High.
Jim Machuku is an ordained minister, resident pastor at Mc3, and an educator. He is passionate about leadership development in Africa.
© 2021 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
