Devotional: Invisible Man Psalm 46

Today, the world is faced with the disease “coronavirus.” When first discovered on January 21, 2020 it was thought to be limited primarily to people that had traveled to China or to people that came into contact with people that had travelled to China. That’s what the health officials could know because that is what they could see. However, a virus is too tiny to be seen. A virus is like the invisible man? What invisible man?

From 1957 the television program “Shock Theater” featured five horror characters: Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, Wolf Man, and The Invisible Man. The invisible man cannot be seen. No one knows who he is. His whereabouts are unknown. People are found dead and no one knows how to combat his terror. Thinking about the dangers of the coronavirus reminded me of the Invisible Man. Coronavirus is not just an epidemic disease dangerous to a select group of people. Coronavirus is now, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) a pandemic disease with Europe being the epic center.

The coronavirus has led to many precautionary changes. Sporting events are suspended and canceled. School systems are closed. Colleges and universities are sending the students home and classes are now online. The news is saturated with updates from government officials and health officials. I am now receiving emails from businesses telling its customers what they are doing to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. There is no cure known for the virus.

Psalm 46 is a song that declares that there are events in life that cannot be foreseen or seen. There is no way for the people to stop natural disasters (vv. 2-4). Wars continue in our world today and even the dangers of coronavirus do not cause nations to cease their hostilities. Racism and violence continues in America. The reality is this: Coronavirus is one of many dangers that we are faced with every day of our lives. Many of these dangers are much like the Invisible Man. We know that they exist, but we have no control over them. What can we do?

The psalmist gives us this assurance. The psalmist encourages us to be aware of what is taking place in our world. We should do all that we can to prevent the spread of these dangers. However, contrary to the belief of some, God is the reason for the events that we see take place. Yet, while we are cautious, we do not fear because “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (v. 1, NASB). The Lord is with us (v. 7). “‘Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold” Thus, we remain cautions, but we do not fear the works of the Invisible Man.

Prayer: Father, we thank You for being present with us in the face of danger from that which is invisible. Amen.