Did you know that chickens run wild on the island of Kauai? They are everywhere. How did this come about? Apparently, when hurricane Iniki blew through in 1992, it destroyed farms that raised chickens. The chickens escaped their confining coops and were scattered by the strong winds. So, with very few predators on the island, the chickens grew in number. To this day they roam aimlessly across the island.
On my recent visit to the island, I heard the repeated cock-a-doodle-do of the roosters, but it was the hens that caught my attention. Specifically, the protective nature of the hen with her chicks stunned me as I watched their behavior on the hotel grounds. The mother hen literally provides a tender covering for her chicks. My eyes beheld eight and nine chicks scurry and nestle beneath their mothers wings so that the only evidence of their presence was their little twig legs standing below her fluffed out feathers. She sat stoic and still, daring anyone or anything to disturb the care of her chicks. Of course, nothing ever approached her stalwart posture. What a beautiful sight!
Covering -A thing used to cover something else, typically in order to protect; carried out to protect an exposed person from an enemy.
I found myself pondering Jesus’ words in Matthew 23:37: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”
God offers covering and shelter to His children. I wonder, am I willing? Are you willing?
Jesus longed to gather God’s chosen people offering protection and safety, yet in their pride and hardness of heart, they refused to submit to their heavenly Father. The yearning flowing from Jesus to care for His people dripped with kindness and sadness, love and mercy. He desired to draw Israel to Himself and offer the covering they so desperately needed.
Do I run to Him for protection in the storms of life? Do I surrender to the safety He offers from His presence? How about you?
In God’s design, husbands are to provide a spiritual covering for their wives and parents are to provide a similar covering for their children (see Ephesians 5:23-33, 6:4, and Proverbs 22:6,13:24). But, what happens when people fail to do their part, hindered by a host of factors ranging from sin to ignorance? The vulnerable lack covering and face exposure to the sneaky and brutal attacks of the enemy. Remembering our faithful Father and the secure safe covering He provides offers consolation and peace when life feels stormy and hard.
God declared that He provides the necessary and ever-present covering we need: “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10). The Psalmist experienced the covering of God from His foes as he declares: “For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe” (Psalm 61:3). Likewise, Psalm 91 reveals the metaphor of the hen’s tender protective presence as God’s posture and activity with His people: “He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge” (vs. 4).
Imagine yourself running to a fortified tower, which represents the power and strength of God. What does it feel like to be protected by the Lord? Notice the tender attention of Jesus to the cares and needs of your soul.
In what ways is God your refuge during the hardships of life? When those close to you neglect their responsibility to offer covering, how can you look to Jesus to meet your needs for protection and peace? What does pointing others to the covering and safety of God look like in your life?
A song that continues to minister to the depths of my soul is “Your Wings” by Lauren Daigle. The lyrics provide truth, imagery, and hope for the soul eager for the covering of God.
When ten thousand arrows take flight
Remind me that You are my armor
There’s always a place I can hide
When I am desperate for shelter
You’re my covering
I’m safe, I’m safe
Whatever comes at me
I’m safe, I’m safe
You got me under Your wings
Under Your wings
I’m under, I’m under Your wings
You got me
You cover me, You cover me
I’m under, I’m under Your wings
With every step that I take
You are before and behind me
In every fear that I face
I’m constantly finding
You’re my covering
I’m safe, I’m safe
Whatever comes at me
I’m safe, I’m safe
You got me under Your wings
Under Your wings
I’m under, I’m under Your wings
You got me
You cover me, You cover me
I’m under, I’m under Your wings
Run to the forever covering offered by God to provide and protect your soul. Allow His peace and presence to permeate the fears and anxieties that well up within you. Know that He is always your strong tower; always available and mighty to save. God never denies access to those who run to Him for coverage. He waits with open doors and wide wings to offer refuge and covering through the joys and sorrows of life.
Nestle under His wings and rest in His tender affection and care. He’s got you covered.
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Psalm 91:1-2 – Whoever 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 28:6-8 – Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Derek Prince. Ultimate Security: Finding a Refuge in Difficult Times. Charlotte, NC. 2014.
Chuck Smith. My Strong Tower: The Names of God. Alpharetta, GA. 2004.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Laura Daigle. Your Wings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjAwIxUQjrI
Victory Worships. Safe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r_O6COF7GI