Introduction

‘Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.’ Psalm 91:1-7

Williams Orcutt Cushing wrote about 300 songs and one of them was written around the late 19th century and entitled ‘Under His Wings’, based on Psalm 91:4. The lyrics of the first stanza is as follows: ‘Under His wings, I am safely abiding, though the night deepens and tempests are wild; Still I can trust Him, I know He will keep me, He has redeemed me and I am His child.’

In this part of the song, Cushing conveys the idea that we are adequately shielded under the wings of the Lord, just as a hen covers its chicks under his wings and protect them from being devoured by hawks. The Lord is our hiding place and we are assured of safety as long as we remain in Him.

There could be deep nights (or terrible darkness) and wild tempests both implying storms, trials, tribulations or life’s challenges in general but we can trust the Lord for His protective love and care for He is our Redeemer and we are His children. John aptly says: ‘See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!’ 1 John.3:1a

The Psalmist truly says: ‘Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty….. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

In the face of difficulties, we should trust that the Lord is our indefatigable refuge and that He gives peace that is second to none. He promised to give us rest. Let us be encouraged that the Lord never fails even when the world fails. He provides unfathomable comfort, rest and assurance. He is our true helper.

‘I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.’ Psalm 17:6-8

Prayer

Gracious Father, it is because of your great love that we are not consumed, for your compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. May You help us to truly seek and hope in You in Jesus’ Name. Amen.