The word ‘WINGS’ appears over 60 times in the Bible, bringing before us comforting thoughts of God’s care. Prior to becoming king of Israel, David wrote, ‘Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; and IN THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by’, Psalm 57 verse 1. These words continue to be applicable today; particularly, during the time of a global killer pandemic.

David uttered this prayer at a particularly vulnerable time in his life. He had fled in fear from Saul, the then king of Israel, who was seeking to kill him. He was so afraid that he even took refuge among Israel’s enemies, the Philistines. Ultimately, however, he did the right thing by turning to God for protection. His prayer was based on a genuine trust in God. He knew that it was only here that he was safe and it led to a great statement of faith, ‘IN THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS I will make my refuge’, Psalm 57 verse 1. He was determined to stay in that sheltered spot until all his troubles and pressures had passed. He was confident that God would preserve his life!

His statement of faith reminds us of the words of Jesus to the rebellious the city of Jerusalem: ‘How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood UNDER HER WINGS, but you would not’, Luke chapter 13 verse 34. The same words were spoken many years earlier to Ruth, David’s great grandmother, ‘The Lord God of Israel, UNDER WHOSE WINGS you have come for refuge’, Ruth chapter 2 verse 12. The perfect antidote for our fear is to be found in the same place! Have you found it?