He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; Psalm 91:4a NIV.
When our grandson Davis was around 2, he liked to play hide and seek. He didn’t actually understand that you were supposed to move your body and hide behind something. He would just cover his eyes with his hands so that he could not see anything around him. We would call out, “Davis, R U”? With great glee, he would remove his hands and say, “here I am”!
Metaphors in scripture speak encouragement and hope to our spirit, but there may still be a question as to the application. The Psalmist picks a beautiful imagery of a bird hiding under the protective wings of its mom or dad, to let us know that God will do the same for us. God is big enough and strong enough to take care of us. What is our part?
We have to move to the place of covering. To be covered requires that you stop running around. Many times in crisis we become busy moving from one idea to another hoping that we can find a way out of our mess. We spend great energy trying to solve our own problems. To be covered will require a cease in moving, an intentional decision to slow down and become still. Focus your thoughts away from your problem and look to God who covers you. Draw close to Him, especially in crisis.
The same Hebrew word and meaning for refuge is found in Ruth 2:12. May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” Remember Ruth was King David’s great grandmother.
These are the words of Boaz to Ruth as he encourages her in the decision to remain faithful to Naomi, especially as she was in the field working for their physical food. Boaz was God’s instrument to provide the refuge, strength and encouragement for Ruth. Do what is right in crisis, God will use whoever and whatever He needs to bring the covering that you need.
God knows your hurt, sorrow, and “the mess you are in”. His presence and protection are just a wing spread away.
Blessings. Love y’all.
What a comforting thought to know that God has us covered, regardless of the trouble that my befall us!
He is incredibly faithful
Thanks to Pastor Greg’s great work. Love to read your articles. Yes, God is always there opening his wings to offer us protection, all we need to do is stop running aroung and turn and go to him.
Thankful we are all reminded to slow down and accept his protection.