Fresh StartNäide

Shelter under God’s Wings

Ask a child to draw a picture of God, and the likelihood is that they will draw an old man. Biblical art portraying characters like Moses has significantly influenced how God is imagined to look. While the image of an older man can suggest God’s immense wisdom, He is so much more than a wise old man.

Viewing God as some kind of grand old man limits our understanding of Him in at least two ways.

First, it can unfairly link God with the distant past, making Him seem inadequate or irrelevant for our modern world. While honouring and respecting God by imagining Him as elderly is admirable, this can create an impression of God that is seen as unable to assist with the problems and complexities we face in life today.

Second, this view limits the Almighty God to human form. In reality, biblical truth uses imagery beyond human likeness to reveal God’s character. Psalm 91, for example, refers to God’s protection over us with the imagery of God having wings with feathers. Though most of us think of angels having wings, we rarely visualise God with physical wings. God is a being beyond our comprehension, faithful throughout all time to protect and guide us through life.

How do you picture God? Where does that view come from? Can you visualise yourself right now taking refuge under the shelter of a God with wings?

Know that the Most-High God is Almighty and beyond any limits we place on His being. Focus your attention on the character of God proclaimed in Scripture. Recall some of the Names of God that reveal His nature. In doing so, your mind, heart and soul will draw closer to Him.