Sheltered

“I sing for joy in the shadow of your protecting wings”

(Psalm 63: 7 NLT)

God reveals himself in both masculine and feminine terms. Very early in the Bible he (The Most High) is described– “Like an eagle that rouses her chicks and hovers over her young”. In the very same verse the writer goes on to use masculine terms – “…. So he spreads his wings to take them in and carried them aloft on his pinions” (Deuteronomy 32: 8 NLT).

David who recognised in God both the masculine and feminine qualities that may have been lacking in his natural parents, later wrote – “I think how much you have helped me; I sing for joy in the shadow of your protecting wings” (Psalm 63: 7 NLT). He also wrote – “He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armour and protection”  (Psalm 91: 4NLT).

Millions of people today long for safety and security. Anxiety and stress are the plagues of our generation. Yet the answers to these are not to be found in the might of armies, the latest security equipment, life insurance policies or medical science.

Father offers us the protection of his wings, a place where, like the writer of this Psalm, we can sing in the face of adversity. He longs to be our protection, our place of safety from the storms of life. His promises are our armour – but we have to run to him, trust him and rest by faith in his love and protection.