1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. 2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. 3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God. 15 My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. 16 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. (Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16)
When the poet was facing a crisis, he was full of fear like everyone else. But unlike the Gentiles who do not know God, he is more concerned about the internal crisis. The external crisis is certainly terrible, but it is not something that we can control, nor can it be reversed, avoided, or ignored simply because we are afraid or annoyed. However, regardless of whether an external crisis exists, it is the human heart that is directly affected. The internal crisis caused by external crises is actually even more terrifying. It can affect individuals, even the entire community, starting from a family to the whole country. What is manifested in the face of the crisis is the inherent quality of human life. The poet believed that God is our refuge, fortress, and rock. He would not put his people in crisis and abandon them. The crisis is often the turning point that God has set for his people. It is the awakening to renew our lives. It is also an opportunity to reflect on and recognize our need to turn to God. The current pandemic is severely impacting our society. The people are panicking, and the sense of crisis deeply affects people living in the present. The plague that appears to be far away is actually very close. The crisis is the “kairos” to manifest God's grace. The Bible tells us that God is faithful. If God ’s people did not have the grace of God, they would have vanished for many times. The existence of a crisis humbles us to be more fearful of God, and that makes our lives more blessed.