Faith Words: Under His Wings

We've been walking at the park for exercise.  I like it better than walking in the mall or our neighborhood.  I get fresh air and don't have to cross streets.  The only traffic I have to worry about is the other morning walker who is sure to pass me.  It's a quiet spot, surrounded by pleasant homes.  The sidewalk is level and in pretty good condition so I don't worry about falling.  I like it.

One morning this week, we noticed a dove scurrying around on the ground near one of the trees.  It's not unusual to see birds at the park but this one caught my attention because she didn't fly away, just trotted (can a dove trot?) away from the tree.  On the second lap, I saw the reason for her behavior.  Her babies.  I suppose the wind had blown them out of their nest and onto the ground right at the edge of the sidewalk.  One had not survived the fall.  But the other had and Momma Dove was protecting that little one with all she had.  She would sit on him just as if he were still in her nest to keep him warm and safe and if any danger passed by, she either covered him completely or tried to draw attention away from him and to herself by trotting off in another direction.  If he popped his little head out or tried to scoot a little here or there, she would adjust her body to make sure he was covered and safe.

I thought about that little family off and on all day and night.  I dreaded going to the park the next morning, afraid I'd find that they had fallen victim to some predator.  But happily, there they were!  She had moved her baby a little further away from the sidewalk and the dead chick was gone.  But Momma Dove and Baby Dove were still alive!  And she was still covering her precious baby.  It's a picture that will stay in my heart for a long time.  She was sacrificing her own comfort and needs to protect her vulnerable child. Amazing!

When I got home, I took note of a picture I have hanging on one of my walls.  I've had it hanging there for years but now it has new meaning.  It's a picture of a little sparrow balanced on the doorknob of an old door with Psalm 91:4 written beneath it:  "He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge."  I've seen that!  That little dove family was living out this scripture.  I've often heard it said that you can find God in nature and there it was!  Right in front of me - at the park and in the picture on my wall:  "He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge."

God is always there covering me with His feathers, providing me refuge under His wings.  Sometimes I try to scoot out from under His protection but where can I go where He is not?  He always covers me.  Why?  Psalm 91:4 continues with one more phrase:  "His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."  His faithfulness.  It's as simple as this:  I'm His child and He knows I'm vulnerable without Him.  He loves me.  He is faithful.

I'm not naïve enough to think that no harm can come on me in this world.  Satan is always working to hurt and wound us. But God fought him for me on the cross and won!  That part of me that is God's - that eternal soul that will live beyond this world - will arrive safe at home and soar one day.  Till then, God's got me covered.

Under His wings,

Patrice

Psalm 91:4  (NIV)

"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."