Psalm 16 as Response to COVID-19

More than one year has passed since I last wrote on this blog (February 17, 2019, to be exact). Frankly, not much has changed in my personal, professional, or academic life since that time. And, even if my life had changed considerably, it would not likely be important enough to prompt me to write at this moment.

The reason for my writing now is to share with whomever reads this blog (anyone?) a text of Scripture which has given me a measure of solace amid the unsettling crisis of COVID-19. It is Psalm 16.

It is an intriguing psychological phenomena that familiar, well-worn paths can look strange and appealing in different seasons of life. Over many years living in the psalter, I have probably read Psalm 16 hundreds of times if not more. As the faded pen marks and scribbled marginalia in my Bible suggest, I've shown some interest in Psalm 16 before. But this morning, as my eyes traveled over those words again, what was once familiar to me seemed strange. The lungs of Psalm 16 were breathing fresh air.

Psalm 16 is about the unmovable faithfulness of our good God, and the assurance He gives that the road before us -- however perilous or insecure it might be -- is one of peace, joy, and abundant life.

Preserve me, O God, for in you I find refuge.

Say to the Lord, 'You are my Lord;'

I have no good apart from you (v. 1-2).

COVID-19 has brought the world to its knees. As a result, our moment in history is fomenting an unprecedented amount of anxiety and disquiet in every sphere of life. We are being forced to deconstruct the false if comforting myth that we are in control of our own fate. Deconstruction is distressing work, to be sure. Often it means upending established beliefs about the nature of reality. When that happens -- when we lose our bearings on what (we think) is real -- chaos ensues.

The crisis of COVID-19 has revealed that Christians, like everyone else, are susceptible to living into a different idea of reality than what is envisioned by the psalmist. As our manufactured systems of security and prosperity come to an alarming halt, we are confronted with the blunt fact that "Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows" (16:4).

In spite our wayward illusions, however, hope is not lost. Psalm 16 brings us back to the truth, to what is really real:

Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;

my body also dwells secure.

For you do not give me up to Sheol,

or let your godly one see the Pit ( vv. 9-10).

Once we come to grips with our contingency -- with the intractable fact that there is nothing essential about our existence -- we are free to embrace our singular, all-encompassing dependance on God. In turn we realize that, even in death, God is endlessly faithful. Our guarantee of God's faithfulness is Jesus Christ.

Don't misinterpret what I'm saying. I am deeply troubled by the affects of COVID-19 and I am praying in earnest for its ultimate demise. But Psalm 16 has reminded me that my confidence and trust are not in medical science, government action, or the practices of sanitation and social distancing, as good and important as all of those things are. Rather, my hope is in our Triune God, who "show[s] me the path of life" (v.11).

For Christians, COVID-19 is a means of chastening. It is the particular character of our God that, especially in times of tragedy, He is present and at work, bringing new life out of the grave. God does not traffic in death; the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jesus is the God of resurrection! Now is the time to renew our trust in the unfailing hands of our Triune God -- Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Ingest Psalm 16. Take it into your gut and pray that the Spirit of Christ will nourish and strengthen you with its words in this time of dark trial.

Jesus is King!