Posted by Psalm 57:1 – “…I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” (NIV)
On that terrible day of both horror and heroism, September 11, 2001, news correspondent Carol Marin, was caught in the second collapse of the World Trade Center Towers. During an interview, she said she was asking a firefighter a question when, “All of a sudden, there was a roar, an explosion, and we could see coming toward us a ball of flame, stories high. He, and others, screamed, ‘Run.’ And I ran and then fell. One of the firefighters picked me up. We ran as fast as we could…He threw me into a wall, covered me with his body. I could feel his heart banging against my back, …The flame somehow stopped short of us. But whatever collapsed created a rain of cinders so thick you couldn’t see in front of you.” (What We Saw)
You may feel distressed and desperate, because you’re shrouded in darkness, not being able to see your way out of the problems in your life. But remember that the Lord says in Isaiah 45:7 (NIV) – “I form the light and create darkness, ..” Just as Carol Marin found that one of NY City’s Bravest was willing to risk all, to cover her during an avalanche of death and destruction, so you will find that the King of Kings is willing to give His all, to cover and protect you. God says in Exodus 19:4, “I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.” You may be frustrated with God, because you can’t find the door out of your darkness. But the whole time, the Lord may have “created” your darkness to keep you still, and protect you from harm.
God provides protection under His wing, as Boaz stated when he said of Ruth’s faith in God, “under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” (Ruth 2:12) He’s also providing a place of rest because “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1 NIV)
You will find that in His presence, the Lord will arise in your life, with healing in his wings, (Mal 4:2) causing your soul and spirit to be renewed, restored and refreshed.
So when you’re faced with the Valley of the Shadow of Death, draw strength in the Shadow of His Heavenly Wings, until the moment that joy comes in the morning and He lifts His Wings, revealing His light. And you hear the clarion call from Isaiah 60:1 (NIV): “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.” Then, it will be your time to mount up with wings like an eagle. You’ll take flight, soaring upon the currents of His rushing mighty wind. Rising to higher heights in your walk with God and taking with you a renewed faith that God’s timing is perfect and that with His strength and guidance “…nothing shall be impossible unto you.” (Matt 17:20)
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Rev. Steve Ares
