I’ve prayed Psalm 91 for soldiers deployed to foreign lands.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust” Psalm 91:1,2.
I’ve prayed it for friends and family.
I’ve prayed it for myself.
“Protect us Lord! We desperately need your protection. Place us in your shadow. Cover us.”
I love the image verse four paints in my mind.
But how do we crawl up under the wings of God?
Digging into the ancient text helps us know…it takes effort on our part. We have to put ourselves there.
How do we do that?
The words “find refuge” have been translated from the Hebrew word Hasah. As you read the definition of Hasah, notice the different meanings:
- to flee (for protection), seek refuge; to trust in, confide in, hope in...is often used in the figurative sense of seeking spiritual refuge and putting trust in God. (Key-Word, NIV 1517)
Placing oneself under God’s wings really means trusting Him. God’s refuge is found only in this powerful five letter word.
How do you and I trust God when all seems to be falling apart? How do we trust God when someone we love is suffering, or we lose our job, or one bad thing after another punches us in the stomach?
Other people’s testimonies have inspired me to keep on keepin’ on when I’ve wanted to be angry at God. But my faith has grown during those desperate days when I made a choice to choose Him.
- I could do things my way or God’s. (And I chose God’s.)
- I could be mad at Him or trust that He is always good. (Always good.)
- I could demand my way or wait on Him. (Wait.)
- I could quit or keep on believing. (Trust.)
[bctt tweet=”That’s the hardest and most wonderful thing about trust. It’s always our choice.” username=”wordsbyandylee”]
Knowing what it means to “find refuge” in God will not only help us when the hard times come, it helps us know how to pray Psalm 91 for those we love. Our prayer can be something like this, “Help her trust you Lord. Help her run under your wing, straight to your heart and hold onto you.”
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wing until the disaster has passed.” Psalm 57:1b
How will you “crawl up under” God’s wings today? What will that look like in your life? What do you need to trust Him with?
Digging Deep,
This article was first posted in 2011. I’ve added to it a little. But it’s one of my favorites and one I need to keep in my own arsenal when life gets hard. I’m praying for you. XXOO
[…] Prompt: I had to look up “rampart.” It’s a wall of a castle or walled city. I love that. God’s not only out shield, but His wall of protection encircles us. But another really important term in this verse is “find refuge.” The words “find refuge” have been translated from the Hebrew word Hasah. Notice the different meanings: to flee (for protection), seek refuge; to trust in, confide in, hope in…is often used in the figurative sense of seeking spiritual refuge and putting trust in God. (Key-Word, NIV 1517) How do we “find refuge?” Only when we put ourselves under his wings, right next to His heart, smack dab in the center of His walls. Those places are places of trust. What do you need to trust God with today? If you want to read more about this I’ve written it in the article How Do We Hide Under God’s Wings? […]
[…] how do we crawl up under the wings of God? One of my favorite posts is on this scripture. Here’s an […]
Andy – love the picture of crawling up under His wind. I felt the same idea this week when I read Ephesians 5:1 when He calls us “dearly loved children”. It’s that picture of nurturing, protection, love and grace. Love your reminder that we have to trust, putting ourselves in that place. Praying that’s exactly what we do. ps. Connecting with you through the #MondayMinutewithGod over at Planting Roots!
Hey Kori! Yep, I love that too. Thanks so much for stopping by. You’re doing great things on Planting Roots!
Thanks Andy for this word. I woke up today with the spirit leading to pray for our country and leaders, an I feel this went with exactly that. We have to continue to pray hard for our leaders that they will seek Gods wisdom in leading us. Thank you an God bless you
Hi Mable! Yes, we need to pray for our country and our leaders. Amen! Thanks for stopping by.
I needed this today.
Hey friend, I’m sorry you need this! But I’m thankful I posted it! I’ll be praying.
Thank you Andy. Good word.
Thanks Venus!