Psalm 91 God's Umbrella Of Protection 21-Day DevotionalSýnishorn

Under His Wings

He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings, you may seek refuge. –Psalm 91:4a

When you picture a magnificent flying bird, it is usually not a chicken that comes to mind. I’ve never seen a chicken pictured in flight—many eagles, but no chickens. We quote the Scripture from Isaiah 40:31, which talks about being borne up on the wings of eagles or with wings like eagles. There is a difference, however, between being “on” His wings and being “under” His wings. This promise in Psalm 91 is not elaborating on the flying wing—but on the sheltering wing. One indicates strength and accomplishment, while the other denotes protection and familiarity. When you picture the warmth of a nest and the security of being under the wings of the nurturing love of a mother hen with chicks, it paints a vivid picture of the sheltering wing of God’s protection that the psalmist refers to in this passage.

Is everyone protected under the wings? Did you notice it says He will cover you with His pinions (feathers), and under His wings, you may seek refuge? Again, it’s up to us to make that decision! We can seek refuge under His wings if we choose to.

Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem… How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. –Matthew 23:37

Notice the contrast between His willingness and our unwillingness—His wanting to against our not willing to—His would against our would not. What an amazing analogy to show us theologically that there is protection offered that we don’t accept!

God is deeply committed to us—yet, at the same time, we can reject His outstretched arms if we so choose.

Pray Out Loud.

Lord, help my heart to be willing to run to You in faith every time trouble or danger presents itself. May I choose to seek the refuge that You have made available to me. In the name of Jesus. Amen

Pray Psalm 91.