Hide me in the shadow of Your wings.

Psalm 17:8b

 Wings? God has wings? How do you know that? What do you mean?

Well, there are scripture verses that tell us about the refuge that is available for us "under His wings". I don't think He has wings on His back--I really don't have any idea. I just read the words and ask Him to show me what He means about such metaphors. I try to understand what He is saying to me.

Why would I want to be "under His wings"? He is talking to us about a refuge that is available for us. What is a refuge? A place of safety. A protected shelter. Imagine it--don't ask questions--don't build barriers--just accept what He says and try to grasp truth from His words.

How do you get "under" these wings? Well, the first thing you'd have to do is admit that you need a refuge, that your world is scary. Your world is 'topsy-turvy' and that you can't handle it any longer. That's awfully hard for most of us. "I can't do it" are words that we haven't used a lot in our lives, but that's the first step. Then "getting under" would be pretty humiliating because you would have to crawl more than likely or get in the fetal position and be real still and let the wings cover you. Either choice is rather demeaning and pride would have to go! And once you were "under the wings" you would have to cease struggling, hush your incessant "chirping," and rest in the security that you have in the softness of feathers, the warmth of the body hovering so close to you, the knowledge that Someone bigger than you are is watching over you and that you are hidden from predators'protected because you are cherished.

How often do you wish for just such a haven? To be hidden from those who want to hurt you? To realize that Someone loves you enough to take care of you? To feel the warmth of a body close to you? To be engulfed in softness? To be quiet and free from all of the hassles that are facing you? How often? Every day? Every moment? Me, too.

Ps. 36:7b And the sons of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings

Ps. 57:1b And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge

Ps. 61:4b Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings

Ps. 63:7b In the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy

Ps. 91:4b And under His wings you may seek refuge

Luke 13:34 How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it!

 I guess our problem is uncovered in this reference from Luke--you would not have it!  We refuse to take the first step. Don't let your dignity or your reticence or your tradition or your timidity or whatever it might be keep you from hearing what He is saying to you--from taking what He is offering you. He wants to be our Protector--the One who watches over us'the Knight in shining armor. He has provided a refuge for me and for you. But remember what we discovered? You have to humble yourself, admit your need, and crawl under--you have to forget your pride, you have to quit struggling, you have to be quiet and hush your whining. You have to give up! You have to trust that He is capable of handling what's happening in your world. You have to believe Him.

            You have to say, "Lord, I want to be under Your wings." Then close your eyes and believe! Yes, it's difficult to see, but you are comfortable and relaxed and it is so wonderful to know that you are protected and cherished.