You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. (Psalm 91:5-6)
These verses prompt an observation that merits our attention: night and day accommodate dangers that are specific to darkness and daylight respectively. Consider: a person who walks alone in the dark, especially if they are walking through a questionable area, might find it difficult to fend off fear. Let’s face it, in some situations, there is reason to be concerned about being alone and vulnerable in the dark because unsavory characters tend to find sanctuary in the darkness. Whether the danger is real or not, when we are unable to see we are unable to discern and that, in and of itself, can be problematic.
When it comes to the daytime, if we can see our enemies that means our enemies can see us. Even more troubling is the fact that light enables them to launch an attack at us from a great distance, sometimes without us even being aware of the impending danger. And so it is, we have to be alert to the potential terrors that lurk in the shadows of the night and the arrows that fly towards us by day. However, being alert to danger doesn’t necessarily have to equate with being fearful of the danger, in fact, the psalmist assures us that it should not be that way at all.
When we are walking in the darkness, it may seem that we are alone but we have assurances from the Most High that He will never leave us alone. Furthermore, because He is our shield and armor, the nature and timing of the enemy’s attack should not cause us to be dismayed. Whether the attack is coming straight at us or whether from behind, He goes before us and also acts as our rear guard. So then, given that specific promises have been made, should we not act accordingly? In other words, our position should be as David said: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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