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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.
He 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… and he ran to the shelter of God’s wings. That reminds me of something my kids used to do back in the day.
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; these are intimate places. Close to a beating heart. This type of shelter is personal. For family only.
I read this and remember that when my heart grows faint, when I’m overwhelmed, I should run to the Lord. Because He’s my Abba Father. My Daddy who loves me and can be trusted to care for me.
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, fragile hearts.
You are precious His 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.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being the perfect Father I can run to when I’m overwhelmed with life. 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
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. What stands out to you?
Thank God for His powerful, peace-giving presence.
Love doing life with you, friend!
GWEN
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