Psalm 91 - Study 18 - Epidemics that Strike at Noon
We read in Psalm 91:6, “You will have no fear of diseases that come in the dark or terrible suffering that comes at noon.” (ERV)
In this study, we will meditate on the part of the verse that speaks about the ‘terrible sufferings that come at noon.’ During this recent pandemic we are cautioned not to venture out of our homes unless absolutely necessary. The reason for this precaution is because there are those who exhibit no symptoms of the disease but could be carriers of the virus. These individuals are referred to as being asymptomatic and when they mingle with others, there is a high probability that they could infect others who are more susceptible because of their low immunity.
We will look at some of the healthy relationships that God has established and try to understand how these could get altered when an outsider intrudes into it. These are like the asymptomatic people whose interaction will affect these hearty relationships that God has established.
The first robust relationship that God ordained was that of a husband and wife. This significant relationship we realize is under much attack these days. The next relationship is that between parents and children. The other one is among siblings. All of the above mentioned are relationships within a family. In the wider circle we have numerous relationships with those in society and in the church. All of these relationship are vulnerable, and we will study to see how we can maintain all of these relationships as God intended for us to do.
The relationship between God, Adam and Eve
We read in Genesis 3:1, Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?’”(ESV)
In the Garden of Eden that God created, there was a beautifully unified relationship between, Adam, Eve and God. There was also the relationship that Adam and Eve enjoyed with each other. Both of these relationships can be compared to the church and the family. As Adam and Eve enjoyed this harmonious relationship with God and themselves, there was an intrusion. The serpent subtly came to Eve and began to sow seeds of doubt in her mind by the questions that he posed to her. The question he challenged her with was, “Did God actually say, ‘you shall not eat of any tree in the garden?’” This question which seemed so sincere to Eve, was actually one that led to the fall of all mankind.
Not only was the serpent the uninvited guest in the garden, he also asked the unnecessary question which Eve got trapped in. Eve should have in reality chased the serpent out of that garden, as she did have the authority to do so. Instead Eve gave heed to the crafty serpent and engaged in conversation with him.
Let me give you some examples from our everyday life. At our work place a colleague may inquire of us as to why our face is downcast, and then probe further to know if there were any issues at home. Sometimes, when a member of the church is confronted by the pastor, a fellow member will feign concern by asking the person concerned if the pastor was harsh in his confrontation or hurt him through a sermon that was preached. When there is an argument in the family, we might have had experience of some nosy neighbors who are curious to find out what actually happened. There are also some mothers who will constantly check with their daughters to see if their son in law is behaving himself and treating her as he should.
Oftentimes these questions or enquiries are basically conversation starters used to engage others in a gossip session. Many of us would encounter these queries in various situations. If one were to analyze these questions thoroughly, we will be bewildered to realize that behind the voice of concern is a hidden agenda that is not meant for our good. It is therefore our duty to evaluate these so called well-meaning interrogations to understand if they are genuine or a cover up to create trouble.
Our families or our churches are like a garden and if each one of us are not wary, we will be ensnared by the cunning craftiness of the enemy whose only intention is disruption of these incredible relationships.
Adam and Eve’s primary responsibility
We read in Genesis 2:15, “Then the LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and guard it.” (GNB)
There were two fundamental responsibilities that God entrusted to man in the Garden of Eden. One was to cultivate the land and guard it. Basically to cultivate would mean to improve what was there so it would flourish and be bountiful. Secondly, man was given the duty to guard what was entrusted to him.
I believe that each one of us have the obligation to enhance and keep safe every relationship that God has entrusted to us. First and foremost, we must acknowledge that every relationship has been committed to us by God Himself. Secondly we must not be negligent but carefully tend these relationships so that they would progress in every way and be safeguarded from all kinds of attacks. To keep our relationships secure means to not allow the enemy to gain entry in any subtle way to destroy these relationships.
It is important that we are discreet in our conversations with others and don’t permit pretentious people to cause a rift in our relationships. We live in a time when communication by phone has become so accessible and inexpensive. While this may be a good thing, there are many who spend the entire day on long unnecessary conversations that are not beneficial. If we are not watchful, like Eve, these harmless conversations will lead to confusion and even cause the breakdown of good relationships.
Eve engaged in an unnecessary conversation
We read in Genesis 3:2,"We may eat the fruit of any tree in the garden," the woman answered.. (GNB)
Adam and Eve were enjoying a cordial and peaceful relationship with each other and were in perfect communion with God. Satan entered that garden with the primary goal to destroy this harmonious relationship. Outwardly the serpent had a wonderful appearance and was appealing in his talk, but in reality he was cunning and filled with evil intentions. He also used the name of God to make his question more beseeching to Eve. Instead of Eve perceiving the evil intention of the serpent, Eve engaged in the conversation and also began to reply him.
We must be wise and discerning to know when we have to respond to someone who questions us. There is a lot of such debates being shared on social media. One person presents a matter, another responds and this sort of dialogue goes on unendingly.
We must understand that Satan is God’s enemy who was shunned by God. He is obsessed with the disease called pride. He is full of sin and crafty in all his ways. The word of God refers to Satan as the thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy.
There are many who use the Lord’s name, but their motives and their life style are not in keeping with God and His word. We know of many who got cheated because of someone’s deceptive talk. Often we give room for people to engross us with their unwholesome talk, and in so doing we will end up losing our peace.
Paul exhorts us in 1 Corinthians 15:33, Be not deceived; "Evil stories corrupt well-disposed minds." (Murdock)
Basically Paul cautions us to assess the kind of things we hear and the company of people we associate with because if we do not we will certainly be corrupted as well.
Be cautious about the tongue
We read in James 3:6, And the tongue is like a fire… (GNB)
I think that is the reason why God has kept the tongue within the confines of our mouth. We all use fire at home and as long as the fire is within limits it is extremely useful. We use it for cooking and many other beneficial things. However, when this fire gets out of control and is burning our roof that becomes totally destructive. We must assess ourselves to see if we are using our tongue to benefit others or misusing it to destroy those around us. If we use our tongue wisely, we will be those who will encourage and build others.
The mistake that Eve committed at the Garden of Eden was to not control her tongue and engage in a conversation with the serpent. In other words she added the fuel or logs to set the fire burning. Words are like fire and if we do not ignite it further by adding wood to it, the fire will most certainly be snuffed out. A good piece of advice would be to not give heed and listen to those who share information with us that is not beneficial to us or puts down others. By so doing we will put an end to the unnecessary complications in relationships.
We read in Proverbs 26:20-21, “Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, quarreling stops. Charcoal keeps the embers glowing, wood keeps the fire burning, and troublemakers keep arguments alive.” (GNB)
The above mentioned verse described two kinds of people. One group are those who gossip and the others who are trouble makers. If you have experience with those who gossip they specialize in carrying tales about one person to another. The consequence of having such a relationship with someone is that there will be constant discord and quarrels. The trouble makers are those who are argumentative and will also create disunity wherever they are. These are those people who when they come home or have a conversation on the phone, they have the capacity to change the peace and serenity of the home and cause tumult. Their talk will remove the peace from your heart and replace it with confusion. If we were to evaluate such people we will understand that they have some unresolved issues in themselves and they are transferring that unrest to others. The only way to escape these situations is to guard our mouth and not get entangled in those conversations.
Many families are in turmoil simply because they have permitted some ungodly persons into their homes and their relationships. God must grant us wisdom to discern who these people are and help us to avoid being in close association with them. It is only when we do so will be able to maintain our personal peace and the serenity of our families.
The word of God has recorded the fall of Adam and Eve, detailing the deception that Eve fell for so that we too can be alert. To say it simply all those who enquire after us are not good and so also those who do not ask after us are not bad either. We may gossip about someone to another person thinking that the third person will not know, but the truth that we should be reminded about is that God sees and His ears hear every single one of our conversations. We must decide that we will use our tongues to speak good things that would edify others and will avoid any kind of evil. Our tongues must be used exclusively to build those at our home, at church and we will consciously guard our tongue every day against saying anything that would destroy others.
There may be those who feel that they know their limits and will not allow other people to intrude into their lives. Let us see what happened to Eve.
The consequence of disobedience
We read in Genesis 3:3, “But of the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You must not eat of it and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” (TLV)
If you notice the reply that Eve gave to the Serpent, she added a little and said ‘you must not touch it.’ God instructed them to not eat of the fruit but Eve supplemented it further with her own thoughts.
Strangely when we get into such conversations with those who are out to cause trouble, we too are in danger of falling into the trap to add things that were not said. There are many who are very good at exaggerating any little information they receive to make it sound appealing to their hearers. Let us keep in mind that our families and relationships are God’s precious gift to us. This includes our parents, spouse, children, siblings, relations and those who are part of God’s family, the church as well. The responsibility to guard them safe is ours. Our goal should be to enhance these relationship and build them so they can be strong and unshakable. If we want the Lord to be glorified in our lives and in all our relationships, it is vital that we guard our tongue.
At the beginning of every day, let us seek God’s grace to guard our speech and also be wary of whom we engage in conversations. If we do so our relationships will be robust and they will be greatly enhanced. It is by so doing that we need not fear the assaults that strike us at noon.
Pastor Andrew Dixon
Transcribed by Sis. Esther Collins
www.goodnewsfriends.net
