Blessings in the Shadow of the Almighty’s Wings

She flew away as her wings took flight when I opened our front door.

Inside the edge of my wreath, I found the beginnings of her nest.

I realized our constant door activity was a risk to any eggs she’d lay. 

So I acted quickly in taking my wreath down to force this mama bird to build her home elsewhere. 

A few days later, high on the River Birch branch inside our courtyard, I spotted a newly built nest. I imagined her nesting, then caring for her babies through feeding and protecting them from harm—seasonal storms and predators. 

And keeping them under her wings.

As God’s children, we need a safe shelter. Because life’s storms and a predator (Satan) often put us in danger.

Or, maybe we wonder how to rest in the Lord and the best time to take flight and soar.

We are given many assurances about abiding under God’s wings.

• God covers us with His feathers.
• The Father hides us in the shadow of His wings. 
• His faithful promises are our strong shelter.

We are given many assurances about abiding under God’s wings: covered with His feathers, hidden in the shadow of His wings, His faithful promises our strong shelter. Click To Tweet

Look at Jesus’s words in Matthew 23.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Verses 37, ESV)

Our redeemer wants to gather us under His wings—if we are willing. Then these blessings follow.

Refuge under His Wings

Like the hen gathers her brood to protect them from harm, the Lord’s wings provide protection and security during stormy seasons and the enemy’s harmful intent.

Psalm 91 describes our refuge. 

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Verses 1-2, ESV) 

“He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” (Verse 4, ESV)

My research uncovered an astounding and comforting discovery.

Pinions make up the outer part of a bird’s wing, including the flight feathers (Google). Birds are unable to take flight while covering their babies. It simply is impossible.

Dark and turbulent storms often hit close to home in our lives. We lose a loved one or a job, illness strikes, our child turns wayward, our marriage is in trouble, or our dreams go unmet. 

Yet, the Lord never leaves us, never flies off during threatening times. And He never forsakes us. We remain secure under His wings.

During life's storms, the Lord never leaves us, never flies off during threatening times. And He never forsakes us. We remain secure under His wings. Click To Tweet

David knew this security in Psalm 57.

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.” (Verse 1, ESV)

David prayed as he hid in a cave, fleeing from Saul who wanted to kill him. The cave wasn’t his refuge, but the shadow of the Almighty’s wings.

Rest in His Care

We often fail to take a break from the busyness that leads to burnout, and this depletes our soul of joy. Our weary bodies and hearts, our what-if’s, and our anxious thoughts all contribute to this breaking point. 

“For you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.” (Psalm 63:7, ESV)

To rest is an intentional position of the heart. Just like the sound of morning birds chirping in the morning sun, our joy is found in the Son. 

The end result of resting under His wings? Joy!

Renewal from His Shelter

Merriam-Webster defines renew as, “to make (something) new, fresh, or strong again.”

The heavenly Father restores us and makes us strong. And after each renewing under His wings, we are ready to take flight and soar—until the next renewing season. 

The heavenly Father restores us and makes us strong. And after each renewing under His wings, we are ready to take flight and soar—until the next renewing season.  Click To Tweet

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.” (Isaiah 40:31a, ESV) 

Let’s resolve to remain under the Almighty’s wings for refuge, rest, and renewal. 

I’m nestled there now. Are you? 

This post first appeared on Inspire A Fire.

Sometimes I participate in these link-ups:

Legacy Linkup/Inspire Me Monday/Tell His Story/Recharge Wednesday/Let’s Have Coffee/Tune in Thursday/Heart Encouragement/Embracing the Unexpected/Candidly Christian and Faith On Fire.

---

© 2021 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved