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. Psalm 91:5, 6.
Our Father who is in heaven, we rejoice that there is no need to fear when we abide under Your protective care. Please remind us of this truth when we feel threatened. In the precious name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
As we begin our conversation today, I would like to say that I believe the mention of wings in reference to God is metaphoric not physical. Notice the emphasis on “I believe.” That is because I do not dare to make a conclusive statement of the nature of God. For the purpose of our study wings will be the equivalent of God’s protective care.
I base my premise on the fact that when Jesus made mention that He would have gladly gathered His people as a “hen gathers her chicks under her wings” He was referring to the care and protection and finally, salvation, He wanted to offer His people, but which they refused.
Today we will take another glimpse of what else is offered to those who abide under God’s wings. They are free from fear!
Fear has taken on epidemic proportions in our day. For those of us living at the end of time, Scripture states the following:
“men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken” (Luke 21:26). It is indeed a fearful thing to look at the news, or read the newspapers!
The psalmist mentions fears at night, by day, in darkness, at noonday! In other words we are surrounded by danger the twenty four hours of the day! Dangers of wars, and sickness, and plagues that are appearing everywhere! The Christian knows however, that God’s desire for His children, is not for us to live in fear! In the place of fear, God has given us “power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
So for those who love the Lord, this is the other side of the coin: “ Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (28).
The things that cause the heart of the unbeliever to fail him or her, are heralds announcing that we will soon be leaving this abide under the wingsvalley of tears and fears and going home! Praise God! It is a wonderful thing to abide under the wings of the Most High!
We will continue!