Psalm 91:4 “He will shelter you with his wings; you will find safety under his wings. His faithfulness is like a shield or a protective wall.”

          Have you ever seen an adult bird tuck a baby bird under
their wings? The adult bird has the strength of being larger and mature; has
acquired life-learning wisdom; and is alert to the surrounding dangers. The
baby chick rests securely, for it is weak and vulnerable depending on its
parent for sustenance, and has no knowledge of anything beyond the warmth and
security of the parent. I always think that is true protection.

            In the
simple, yet intimate life of a bird, we are given another source of God’s
protection—his faithfulness. Some bibles use “truth” meaning stability,
firmness and reliability.  At first we
may be confused to think that the word “truth” is interchangeable with the word
“faithfulness.” Yet, isn’t that where the strength and security of our Lord
comes from, is truth. The divine instruction of the Bible and the authenticity
of Jesus Christ are truth and define the faithfulness of God.

            Romans 3:3
reminds us of the indescribable law at work with God’s faithfulness—it isn’t
dependent upon the believer. For whether we believe or not, God’s faithfulness
does not change. We are to be the baby bird. The difference for us is how we
rest…are we secure and content like a baby bird under its mother’s wings? Or
are we panicking constantly peeking between the feathers to make sure all is
okay?

A military wall or high strong fence is a means of protection. It prevents enemies or vicious animals from coming inside the protected area. Those inside the protected area are secure from whatever is on the other side of the wall or fence. If the wall or fence has holes or is weak, the people inside the protected area are vulnerable. We know in our minds that the Lord is a refuge and fortress. Yet at times we have doubt or we allow fear to break into our fortress. One way we can remind ourselves of the strength of the Lord, is to say it out loud. “I will say to the Lord, my refuge and my fortress…” (Ps 91:2)

            There is strength and guidance when we speak to the Lord and recognize his protection. It is not as if the Lord provides a sudden barrier, like in action movies. Nor, is it found in our nursing knowledge or skills. The writer of the psalm or song used 4 different titles for the Lord: Most High, Almighty, the Lord, and God–these names represent the power of our Creator God and the endearing Love of our Covenant God. God’s name and character is the fortress.

            Through our spoken words, our heart grabs onto that which our mind already knows—The Almighty, the Most High is our sanctuary. When our heart and mind recognize this priceless truth we can say with confidence…”My God in whom I trust”

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