Covered With Feathers
Knowing there has been a battle going on here at Shiloh for our health, a friend sent the clip art above with a verse of encouragement. For the past three weeks I've had a tough battle with shingles, even feathers on my face would have hurt. At the same time, I've tried to care for my husband who has been battling an upper respiratory and sinus infection. Psalm 91:5 has brought me comfort.
"Under Your wings, I will find rest for my weary soul."
If I wasn't sheltering in place, quarantined from my husband in the house, I'd print up that verse on cards and distribute it to as many healthcare workers as possible who are on the front lines. Might get that done yet.
Psalm 91 begins with a reference to God's shadow.
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."
Looking up the word shadow in the dictionary most of the references are in a negative context. But a shadow can be a protective covering. Growing up I was a junior high/high school and summer tournament tennis player. Gatorade was my thirst quencher! But when I had multiple matches a day, it was the shade of a tree or a building I would head for to find relief from the heat.
Now as a grandmother, I find myself placing my grandchildren in my shadow to block the sun from them when they are hot. Right now, wherever we are related to this pandemic, we can be comforted by the knowledge we are abiding in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91 begins with a reference to God's shadow.
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."
Looking up the word shadow in the dictionary most of the references are in a negative context. But a shadow can be a protective covering. Growing up I was a junior high/high school and summer tournament tennis player. Gatorade was my thirst quencher! But when I had multiple matches a day, it was the shade of a tree or a building I would head for to find relief from the heat.
Now as a grandmother, I find myself placing my grandchildren in my shadow to block the sun from them when they are hot. Right now, wherever we are related to this pandemic, we can be comforted by the knowledge we are abiding in the shadow of the Almighty.
Praying Scripture is so powerful. I found a format of Psalm 91 as a prayer online.
May you feel covered by God's wings as you pray this.
Psalm 91:1-16
Father God, I thank and praise You for Your promise that as I (name others) dwell in the secret place of the Most High, I (we/or name) shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty, Whose power no foe can withstand.
I (we/or name) will say of the Lord, He is my (our/name) Refuge and my (our/name)Fortress, my (our/name) God; on Him I (we/name) lean and rely, and in Him I (we/name)confidently trust!
For then You will deliver me (us/name) from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.
Father, thank You, that then, You will cover me (us/name) with Your pinions, and under Your wings shall I (we/name) trust and find refuge; God, Your truth and Your faithfulness are a shield and a buckler for me (us/name).
I speak and declare that I (we/name) shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day.
or shall I (we/name) be afraid of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.
Father, You promise that a thousand may fall at my (our/name's) side, and ten thousand at my (our/name's) right hand, but it shall not come near me (us/name).
And that only a spectator shall I (we/name) be [inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as I (we/name) witness the reward of the wicked.
And God, You say, because I (we/name) have made the Lord my (our/name's) refuge, and the Most High my (our/name's) dwelling place,
There shall no evil befall me (us/name), nor any plague or calamity come near my (our/name's) tent(s).
For You, O God, will give Your angels [especial] charge over me (us/name) to accomplish and defend and preserve me (us/name) in all my (our/name's) ways of obedience and service.
Lord, You say that the angels shall bear me (us/name) up on their hands, lest I (we/name)dash my (our/name) foot against a stone.
God, You say that I (we/name) shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall I (we/name) trample underfoot.
And because I (we/name) set my (our/name) love upon You, therefore You will deliver me (us/name); You will set me (us/name) on high, because I (we/name) know(s) and understand Your name-I (we/name) have (has) a personal knowledge of Your mercy, love, and kindness- I (we/name) trust(s) and rely (relies) on You, knowing You will never forsake me (us/name), no, never.
Father, You say that I (we/name) shall call upon You, and You will answer me (us/name); You will be with me (us/name) in trouble, and You will deliver me (us/name) and honor me (us/name).
And with a long life will You satisfy me (us/name) and show me (us/name) Your salvation.
Amen-so be it.
