Psalm 57:1; “Have pity on me, O God. Have pity on me, because my soul takes refuge in You. I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until destructive storms pass by.”
We have been having some troublesome weather in our part of paradise. A lot of wind, a lot of cold and more than enough snow to cause schools to be delayed or cancelled and weather advisories to issued. The interstates are closed to travel and we call around to find out if enough people can get out to have a Bible Study. It is vital at these times to have in your car enough blankets and warm clothing in case your car stalls. It might be the only thing to protect you in a storm.
God offers us a similar safety but played for higher stakes. Here the Psalmist asks God for pity because he takes refuge in the shadow of God’s wings. We can think in terms of a hen who covers her chicks with her wings to protect them from harm. Yet God takes it beyond just shelter; He brings us into His family and declares us to be sons and treats as such. We not only get shelter; we get it in His tent. We receive the lavish gifts of a father to his son. We lounge at His table. If you think of this in terms of a middle Eastern king, we would eat dates, fresh roasted lamb or the fatted calf, leeks, pomegranates, cucumbers, fresh bread and the finest wines. We would sleep on luxurious silk sheets and drink a mixture of milk and honey. All with God’s love to invite us and encourage us and with His power to protect us from the devil’s harm.