Bread for the JourneySample

Giant Wings

It causes us great admiration to behold a bird as it takes flight, especially one of those colorful and beautiful birds we see in some documentaries. Such grace and elegance—things we can enjoy when the bird's flight is presented to us in slow motion.

I suppose that in the contemplation of the majestic flight of a singular bird, the psalmist declared: “And lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters; he makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind.” (Psalm 104:3, NIV) He was talking about God, suddenly seeing Him as a great bird that soars through the heavens, filling everything.

To personify the Highest God as a great bird that rises on the wings of the wind is one of those poetic figures that invites us to see Him as the One who is above everything, having a complete view of everything. That's how the psalmist saw Him, and that's why he could say: “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” (Psalm 17:8, NIV)

The image is beautiful: God's giant wings are spread, and under them, each of His children enjoys the shade and care they provide. The sun can be scorching, the wind can lash with all its strength, but you and I are safe, protected, and sheltered under His colossal wings.

“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” (Psalm 36:7, NIV)

That place is unique, incomparable, and magnificent. It is the space where Christians can rest, sure that there is One higher who watches over us. But sometimes we forget, and the enemy takes advantage by lying to us, making us feel unprotected, so that we doubt God's care.

What should we do, beloved? Should we believe him? Should we believe the father of lies? Absolutely not, because God's truth stands before us to remind us that His wings are still spread and that we can be secure under His protection. This beautiful truth sustained King David when he saw his life threatened with death: “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” (Psalm 57:1, NIV)

Although this is a poetic figure that makes us see God as a great bird crossing the skies, the truth is that it encloses a wonderful reality. The Almighty God, the Most High, covers everything and is above everything. And with Him are His children, sheltered and resting under the shadow of His wings. “Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.” (Psalm 63:7, NIV)