While in Kenya, our family went through a rough patch that ended with us moving to Nairobi, the capitol. A friend and I met regularly for memorizing scripture. I chose Psalm 91 that speaks of God being our refuge and pictures us gathering under his wings as a mother hen protects her chicks from harm. The Message translates it to be as “Shaddai’s shadow” that covers us, protecting us and shielding us. I think of how the shadow of a tree shields us from the heat in the summer. It does not remove the problem but it shadows us from the most harmful aspects of it.
As you read the whole psalm picture a mother bird spreading her wings to protect her chicks or a giant redwood blocking the rays of the burning sun midday. The psalm says we do not need to fear for we are safe. I suspect that does not mean that bad things don’t happen to good people but I do believe that hovering bird mediates the impact of evil that desires to devour us. We are under the shadow of El Shaddai, the Almighty, our Lord. Enjoy reading the psalm and enjoying the imagery. Blessings.
91 1-13 You who sit down in the High God’s presence,
spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow,
Say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!”
That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you’re perfectly safe;
his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left,
no harm will even graze you.
You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God’s your refuge, the High God your very own home,
Evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door.
He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they’ll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling.
You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
and kick young lions and serpents from the path.
On the Way to Wonder 