Grace Upon Grace

Where Do You Hide From Danger?

In Psalm 57:1 we read:  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. Where do you hide from danger? 

I grew up in tornado country.  Tornado watches and warnings are a common occurrence in Iowa, especially during the spring. However, I will never forget the chronology of events that took place on May 15, 1968.  On this day, a F5 tornado swept through our town, killing thirteen people.  The day is forever etched in my memory.  https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=tornado+in+Charles+City%2C+Iowa+on+May+15%2C+1968&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

Where Do You Run in Times of Trouble?

I was just a young girl when the tornado hit, but the destruction and trauma of that day overwhelmed me.  For days and weeks after the tornado, I lingered in our basement.  Whenever black clouds darkened the sky, fear would rise within me.  I immediately headed for our basement and crawled  underneath a table.  Here I remained, until the skies cleared.  It is where I felt safe.  Where do you hide from danger?

The Wings of an Eagle

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.  Psalm 17:8.

May the Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under who wings you have come to take refuge!  Ruth 2:12.  

The Bible often gives us beautiful word pictures which help us understand the character of God.  In the above verses, we picture an eagle who envelopes her chicks under its wings.  The baby chicks are young and vulnerable.  Instinctively, the eagle covers the chicks to ensure safety and protection. 

Finding Refuge Under God’s Wings

According to Webster, the word refuge is the condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble.  Additionally, the Hebrew word kenanpha means wings.  Together, these two words create vivid imagery often found in psalms of lament.  In these psalms, we find the psalmist asking God to deliver him from danger.  He runs to God because he knows that God can provide both satisfaction and protection.  

Likewise, I want to find shelter under the shadow of God’s wings.  I want God to be the first place I run to in times of trouble.  The tiny table in my parent’s basement is no substitute for the loving embrace of my Heavenly Father.

Dear Father God, you are my hiding place as this song suggests.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8Enyh1Bqbc I am so thankful!  Amen.

Questions to Consider:

1. Where or whom do you run to, when trouble arises in your life?
2. In what ways do you consider God your refuge?