Psalm 91:3

New International Version

 Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.

For Encouragement

I walked into the Hann Forest around 2 pm on Monday, 22 November. The sun was high, and the weather was hot and steamy—a typical Dakar weather around this time of the year. Something did not seem right as I walked past the Security post on the north side of the Park. It was creepy – an uneasy feeling of a sudden snake attack. The trail was quiet, so I listened to the Bible through my earphones. I took a left turn and brazed myself for the final stroll past the lake and towards my entry gate.

Two boys appeared on their bikes, riding quickly towards me. They came to a screeching stop by my left side and started talking to me in Wolof. I did not get it all, so I smiled and tried to pass them. One of them turned around and blocked me with his bike. Thinking these were kids who wanted to have fun with a grey-haired man, I tried to go past him, but he was insistent. With a frowned face and clenched teeth, he clasped his neck with his fingers in a jaw-lock manner and pointed to the road ahead of me. I got the message. There was danger ahead—a gigantic snake in the way.

I spun around, and they rode off ahead of me. I wanted to scream after the boys to wait for me, but I suppressed it. A big urge surged in my stomach to run, but the gentleman in me put on the restraint. A fast walk would do it, Kwame. Remember, you are a Pastor and an old man; I said. Moving as quickly as possible, like the snake was right at my heel, I made my way out towards the South gate. The two boys had halted by the zoo. I waved and thanked them as I walked out into the street, feeling thankful and loved by my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—to Him I ascribe all glory and honor and praise.

The Psalmist says in Psalm 91:3 that God will save His children who stay close to Him from the fowler’s snare. How practical His word is! How blessed we are for His salvation and are under His watchful eyes, twenty-four seven. As we search our hearts towards our Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, I thought I should share this to encourage and incite soulful praise to our God.

So, celebrate Christ Jesus with me today, for He is worthy of all praise.