IN GOD’S PRESENCE, WE FIND LOVE, COMFORT AND PROTECTION
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He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. – Psalm 91:4 –
God loves us with an everlasting love. He calls us to find refuge in the shadow of His wings. The image evoked is one of comfort and security… like a mother bird protecting her young. To our Lord we can run when the cares and concerns of this world appear to surround and overpower us.
What a perfect word picture to describe our heavenly Father… our shield and rampart. Shields were vital defensive weapons in battle. Our God shields us from the trouble and evil in the world. Ramparts were defensive walls protecting castles and cities. There were wide walkways atop them for soldiers to traverse, keeping guard and watching for intruders. God safeguards us… keeping watch over us… defending us from enemies.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed. – Psalm 57:1
David looked to God in times of trouble throughout his life. He experienced repeated attempts on his life by King Saul when the king learned that David was anointed to be the future king. Absalom, one of David’s sons, treacherously sought to kill his father so he could become king himself. These many attempts on David’s life forced him to flee to places of shelter… caves, deserts, even foreign lands. Yet his ultimate trust and confidence was always in God to protect him.
Show the wonders of Your loving devotion, You who save by Your right hand those who seek refuge from their foes. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings. – Psalm 17:7-8
God is forever faithful… always there for us. When we turn to Him in times of trouble, He offers us the strength of His protection… the warmth of His presence… the comfort of His love. God tells us time and again in His Word to seek shelter under His wings. He is calling us to find our rest in Him.
For You are my help; I will sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings. – Psalm 63:7
David often begins his psalms crying out to God for help. As he prays, he remembers the many times the Lord has saved him in the past. His prayers end affirming that God will forever be his protection. David finds confidence and strength in this understanding… and his spirit is filled with joy.
We can look to David to be our model. In our times of trial, we can find comfort and protection in God’s holy presence. Recognizing His faithful love and care for us in our lives gives us the courage and boldness to persevere.
† Eternal Takeaway – God desires that we seek shelter in the security of His presence †
