What an image, to huddle beneath the shadow of God’s wings. His mighty protection, his mercy is great! In the version of this text I was reading, verse one says “until this violent storm is past”, and in the version I’ve linked above, it reads, “until the danger passes by.” When I think of a storm, literally a thunderstorm, I immediately picture our three fearful, nervous-Nellie dogs during a storm huddled in my arms when the lightening streaks across the sky and the thunder booms. Especially the thunder. How they seek comfort and protection, so we seek the security of our heavenly father, and to nestle “beneath his wings” does sound like a safe place.
This psalm opens with an image of us coming to God for protection. He will protect us, guard us, rescue us on a much grander scale than we can imagine. Our storms may be depression, loss of a job, dispute with a friend, financial hardship, etc. The psalmist takes us quickly from the acknowledgement of the protection to praise. This is so uplifting. He doesn’t wallow in his fear. In fact, he calls it out, “I am surrounded by fierce lions”. Do you ever feel like your problems are bigger than you are?
We need to be more like the psalmist and use this pattern in our lives. Identify the problem. Call it out. Realize God is bigger and ask for rescue. Then turn to praise because our confidence in God is greater than our fear of the storm. This praise must not be kept silent but we should tell others, and let our lives be lived in such a way that thanksgiving to God is automatic. Praising God should be reflected in how we live our life.
I often look around when I’m waiting, whether it be in a line at the grocery store, at a stop light, in a waiting room, or even waiting for worship to begin. I am always amazed at what I see. I see serious faces. I see people almost frowning. What must they be thinking that has left them looking so forlorn? Likewise, I try to keep a bit of a smile on my face at all times. Hopefully people don’t find that too annoying. I have had my husband ask me if everything is alright…if that smile starts to fade. I keep that smile fueled by remembering “who” I belong to, and “where” I am going. I am a child of the king, and I will spend eternity with him! Do you have that confidence, too?
Let’s pray. Heavenly father I thank you that I can find shelter in the shadow of your wings. You are a mighty warrior on my behalf, and I thank you for fighting my battles. Watch over my loved ones this day, and I pray they will come to a place of having the confidence in you and the spirit of praise will be overflowing in them as well.
