April 16, 2009
Feathers
I went in to the restaurant to get a bite to eat. Sitting at a table were four
police officers. They were big guys, an intimidating looking crew, even though
they were laughing and seemed very friendly. I think the intimidation came from
the size of their side arms and their bullet resistant Kevlar vests.
It wasn't all that many years ago that the only police officers who had Kevlar
vests were the SWAT guys and they only wore them when responding to a call. Now
every officer wears one all the time. It's a sad comment on our society, but I
understand the need for them to carry large capacity side arms and to wear
protective vests. They have a dangerous job and their gear is an investment in
their safety and our protection.
We all invest in something to keep us safe. We buy insurance. We purchase homes.
Some people buy alarm systems, guns, dogs and more.
I'm all for keeping safe. Ultimately though my safety is in feathers.
Yes you read that right ... feathers! How in the world can there be safety in
feathers?
Feathers can't protect anyone. In a vest or a winter coat they can keep out the
winter cold. In a duvet they can keep a bed warm, but protect a person ... no
way. Okay, I confess, not physical feathers, but feathers none the less.
Psalm 91:2-4 NIV
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.
Psalm 68:11, 13 NIV
The Lord announced the word, and great
was the company of those who proclaimed it: Even while you sleep among the
campfires, the wings of my dove are sheathed with silver, its feathers
with shining gold."
We find safety under the might wings of our Lord.
Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide
me in the shadow of your wings Psalm 17:8 NIV
Psalm 36:7 NIV
How priceless is your unfailing love!
Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 57:1 NIV
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on
me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your
wings until the disaster has passed.
Psalm 61:4 NIV
I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
Psalm 63:7-8 NIV
Because you are my help, I sing in the
shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
I'm all for Kevlar vests. Alarms and insurance can be wise investments.
Ultimately though I'll trust in the "feathers" of God.
Until next time, may you find rest in the shadow of His comforting wings
Under His Wing,
Darrel Mason