In the Bible, common birds were monetarily insignificant, perhaps because of how common they were or how easy they were to catch. (Jesus said: "Are not two sparrows sold for a single penny?" (Matthew 10:29)). In Psalm 91, the psalmist utilizes this imagery, depicting people as birds, to evoke the feeling of insignificance and fear people experience in the face of danger. (God is described as rescuing his people from the fowler's snare (v. 3); God is also described as a bird offering its young refuge under its wings (v. 4)).
Lord, a bird can be such a vulnerable creature. When it takes flight, it is out in the open, with nothing to hide behind. A well aimed arrow could end its flight (v. 5). Yet not even on land is the bird safe, as the fowler has laid his traps to ensnare it (v. 3). Birds are also susceptible to pestilence and plague (v. 3, 6, 10).
Lord, at times we, like birds, feel vulnerable, with threats all around. We might fear the hunter's arrow or the fowler's trap. Right now, we fear the threat of the coronavirus. As time goes on, we know more and more people who have been affected. We ourselves are affected more and more. We pray, Lord: have mercy! We pray also, O Lord: grant us peace. As we face these times, grant us to trust in your loving care. Grant us to see the refuge you offer us under your wings. Grant us to see the rescue you offer. Fill our hearts with hope, Lord, as we trust in your love. In Jesus' name, amen.
