UNDER HIS WINGS

There is the beautiful, thoughtful, contemplative and comforting song, UNDER HIS WINGS, that brings solace and strength to the soul of the believer. Here is the first stanza, along with the chorus: “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. Under His wings, under His wings, Who from His love can sever? Under His wings my soul shall abide, Safely abide forever.” No doubt, the lyrics of this hymn were based on some of the scriptures as found in the book of Psalm. In Psalm 91:1-6, we read: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the ]fowler And from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.” There are two perils that are mentioned in this passage but the one that I want to emphasize is “ perilous pestilence”. The brief definition of “perilous”, “full of danger or risk.” And the definition of “pestilence” is, “a fatal epidemic disease.” This basically describes the situation we are experiencing in our nation as well in the world. I read recently where three members of a family of four had died due to the coronavirus. Other members of the ‘family reunion’ were also infected with this terrible virus. Over the centuries there have been infectious diseases that have killed great numbers. There was the bubonic plague in the 14 Century wherein “One-fourth of the population of the civilized world perished, the deaths in Europe alone reaching 25,000.000.” And, “The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, the deadliest in history, infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet's population—and killed an estimated 20 million to 50 million victims, including some 675,000 Americans.” In the text of Psalm 91, we find this comforting statement, “And under His wings you shall take refuge.” We have seen pictures of birds sheltering their young under their wings in time of trouble. I personally remember seeing mother hens sheltering their chicks under their wings when danger seemed to be imminent. This metaphor of protection found under “His wings” brings comfort to the heart of the true believer in God. Under His wings we find security, protection and loving care from the storms of life. Whatever we face in life, God will be his children. We should cast all of cares upon Him “for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).