God gave me this promise in the midst of the Coronavirus crisis here in the U.S. in 2020. The Spirit of God led me to this verse one morning during my devotional time. It was penned by David when he was hiding in a cave from King Saul, who wanted to kill him. David was dealing with fear and isolation, and he knew that God was his only real hope for rescue and relief from “the disaster” that he was facing.

The International Children’s Bible brings out the full meaning of what David was really asking here. “Be merciful to me, God. Be merciful to me because I come to You for protection. I will come to You as a bird comes for protection under its mother’s wings until the trouble has passed.” This beautiful word picture reminds me of Jesus’ words in Luke 13:34 (NLT): “O Jerusalem…how often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings…” Don’t you know that it pleases God greatly when we run to Him for protection?

The next verse in David’s psalm says, “I will cry out to God Most High, to God who performs all things for me.” (Psalm 57:2 NKJV) I have studied this verse for many years, and the Spirit of God has shown me different translations to apply to different occasions, so I can pray them in ways that have the most meaning for me. Some versions say that the Lord “fulfills His purpose” or “accomplishes all things” for us. In the midst of some severe shortages here in Pennsylvania in 2020, I prayed and stood on the Good News translation, which reads, “I call to God, the Most High, to God, who supplies my every need.” Hallelujah! I also rejoiced in the Easy-to-Read version, which says, “I pray to God Most High for help, and He takes care of me completely!” It’s God’s will for His children to cry out to Him when we are in need, so that we can receive the protection and provision He has for us.

I love how David used the phrase, “until the disaster has passed.” With his faith in God so firm, his attitude was, “This, too, shall pass.” The Lord not only took care of David’s enemies, but He eventually seated him on a throne and put a crown on his head. You and I will see our “disasters” pass by, too. And as God promises, He will make all of our troubles work together for our good and His glory! (Romans 8:28)

Prayer: Lord, whenever I face adversity of any kind, help me to immediately run to You for mercy and protection. Remind me that there is no panic in Heaven, and that I never have to fear as long as I am looking to You for my every need. Thank You that as I pursue an intimate and eternal relationship with You, You will take care of me completely!