"Sheltered"

“Sheltered”

 

Recently our daughter Kristie sent a picture of our boxer “granddog” Kingston and a yet unnamed offspring of our “grandcat” Annabelle. The photo showed Kingston with the kitten snuggled up close and almost completely enveloped by her big canine brother. Given the age-old alleged animosity between cats and dogs it was amazing that a bundle of fur that could have been a one-gulp lunch for Kingston looked so secure in his care. So much for this old wives tale (at least in this case).

As I viewed this captivating image my mind went to a similar scene described in Psalm 91:4: “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge….” The particulars are different but the reminder of God’s constant care and protection is clear in both instances. Several song-writers have put this truth to music:

     Under His wings—O what precious enjoyment!

     There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;

     Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,

     Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.

(From “Under His Wings” by William Cushing and Ira Sankey)

     I’m overshadowed by His mighty love,

     Love eternal, changeless pure.

     Overshadowed by His mighty love,

     Rest is mine, serene, secure.

(From “Overshadowed” by H.A. Ironside and George Shuler of Moody Church in Chicago)

     So let the storms rage high, The dark clouds rise,

     They don’t bother me, For I’m sheltered safe within the arms of God.

     He walks with me, And naught of earth shall harm me,

     For I’m sheltered in the arms of God.

(From “Sheltered in the Arms of God” by Dottie Rambo)

If our unnamed “great-grandkitten” could say more than “meow” she might have expressed fear as she faced a big, uncertain world. But she found her shelter and protection between Kingston’s paws. You and I may be confronted with challenges which threaten to overwhelm us. What can we do? How about taking a cue from a feline Jane Doe and bask in God’s loving embrace? Remember, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find their rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1, NLT).

Blessings!

Jim McMillan