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Our boo boo bunny was pink and lived in the freezer. When my kids were small, I loved to take them to the park for play dates. Often there was at least a dab of drama, usually because someone got hurt. When they fell and skinned their knees, my littles didn’t run to their friends… they ran to me. They knew I would help clean up boo boos, get them a Toy Story bandage, wipe away their tears and hold them. Because I’m their mom. The one who loves them and could be trusted to care for them.
In Psalm 61:4, the psalmist cried to God saying that he longed to take refuge in the shelter of His wings. Who’s allowed under the wings of a mama bird? Only her babies. The wings of a mama bird, or arms of a parent, is an intimate place. Close to a beating heart. This type of shelter is personal. For family only.
Psalm 61 is a powerful reminder that no matter where we are or what we’re going through, we can cry out to God for help. David was in a fragile place, desperate for God. Forced to flee because his son Absalom had rebelled against him. He’d been betrayed by his own flesh and blood, and the sting of betrayal, as we all know, is painfully damaging.
David ran to God seeking refuge when he was hurting and overwhelmed.
“God, hear my cry; pay attention to my prayer. I call to you from the ends of the earth when my heart is without strength. Lead me to a rock that is high above me, for you have been a refuge for me, a strong tower in the face of the enemy. I will dwell in your tent forever and take refuge under the shelter of your wings” (Psalm 61:1-4 CSB).
His heart had grown faint… so David ran to the shelter of God’s wings. Just like my kids used to run to me back in the day.
I read this and remember that when our hearts grow faint, when we’re overwhelmed, we should run to the Lord. Because He’s our Abba Father. Our Daddy who loves us and can be trusted to care for us.
Whether your earthly father was good to you or not, God does family right.
God cares for His own with unwavering faithfulness.
He defends and protects, whispering hope to desperate, disappointed, delicate hearts.
You are His precious daughter. Fully seen and perfectly loved. Because of this, you can take your place in the shelter of His wings and nestle up in the intimate warmth of His safe, strong, compassionate arms.
Dear Lord, thank You for being the perfect Father I can run to when life is overwhelming. Help me to trust You in the deep places when I’m prone to depend on myself. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
FOR YOUR REFLECTION and RESPONSE
What are you currently going through that has your heart faint?
Read Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.”
Look at what God tells us in the passage and then pause to reflect on the “why” behind the “what” in each section of the verse. Thank God for His powerful, peace-giving presence.
Comments 2
I, too, have been living in the shelter of His wings. My earthly Dad passed away about a month ago and when people ask how I am doing, I tell them that I’m living in the shelter of His wings. My Dad was so kind and loving and I had the honor of spending a great deal of time with him over the last 10 months. He lived his life exhibiting the fruits of the spirit…all of them! I miss him terribly, but God has kept me close, under His wings.
I am in the process of going through a divorce – my choice. The past few weeks have been challenging as my husband has a desire and need for pictures of naked women. We have been through this and drunkenness multiple times in our almost 23 years of marriage. This last episode came on the heels of his father’s death as he was “caught” by our nieces and nephews at the funeral home. Had it not been for the actions of one of our brothers in laws, I would have remained clueless. My brain a s heart went into gear and I almost immediately turned to God in prayer. Through tears and prayers and my girlfriends, I am learning to lean more on my faith. With God, I can do all things. I hear Him saying, “Becky. Be still. Know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). I know God has plans for my future (Jeremiah 29:11)) to give me hope and happiness. It’s going to take some time, but I’ll be fine and will get through this.I take strength in the hymn “Eagles Wings” and constantly seek shelter with Him these days. He is definitely my heavenly Daddy who brings comfort and peace!.