Under the Shadow of the Wings of God

Rowlett, Texas. A crazy rooster and several hens freely roamed “the back forty” of my grandparent’s backyard. They probably had an acre of land. One day I was in the backyard and suddenly a good ole’ North Texas thunderclap roared upon us. It was loud! One of the hens had several little chicks within several feet of her. As soon as that thunderclap clapped with the sound of a million heavenly hands, her wings shot out. Within three seconds all of her chicks were under her wings! Then they all moved with mother hen and her wings as one unit. It was a beautiful little sight. It was a wonderful life lesson for me as a boy.

Later, as I became a Christian and then a preacher and pastor I’ve thought about that story many times. As the years have progressed, I’ve run for the shadow, protection, cover and comfort of God’s wings.

Obviously, we know that God doesn’t have giant wings. This is a word picture for us humans to describe God in our human understanding. Seeing that we are humans, we relate to this. I must make a side note that I do believe in chicken wings. Especially fried chicken wings. Thank God for our beloved gospel bird! I don’t even know if one is called to preach if they do not like fried chicken. Who ever heard of a preacher worth his salt if they didn’t love fried chicken? Blasphemy!

Enough of that. Back to God’s wings. Allow me to wave you good bye with these beautiful words of hope from the Bible.

“...the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust”

Ruth 2:12

“…in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast”

Psalm 57:1

“I will trust in the covert of thy wings”

Psalm 61:4

“Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice”

Psalm 63:7

We can trust, find refuge, help and rejoice in that shadow of God’s wings.