Shelter Under God’s Wings

Well, stir my gravy and set out the porch chairs, friend. Look at you wanderin’ up here like you just stepped out of a hickory‑shaded holler and spotted a cabin so invitin’ even that plump ol’ gopher over yonder has paused mid‑shuffle like it’s tryin’ to offer you a neighborly nod. I’m really glad you made your way over here. Go on and settle yourself in the way a calm ol’ otter stretches out on a warm rock even when a lil’ sparrow keeps hoppin’ circles around it like it’s runnin’ the whole back pasture. Psalm 36:7 tells us, “God’s unfailing love is precious and that all humanity finds shelter in the shadow of His wings.” To deepen that truth, Psalm 17:8 says, “Keep me as the apple of Your eye. Hide me in the shadow of Your wings.” And to add even more strength, Nahum 1:7 reminds us, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those that trust in Him.” Them verses stand together like three sturdy oak trees standin’ shoulder to shoulder, whisperin’ to every passerby that God’s protection is real steady even when life feels about as rattlin’ as a lil’ ol’ rooster tryin’ to outrun a toppled feed bucket.

Friend, trouble has a way of showin’ up like a clumsy ol’ raccoon tumblin’ out of a rain barrel it had no business climbin’ into in the first place. Life can plum twist itself into knots tighter than a lil’ ol’ calf tangled in a rope. But Scripture teaches us that shelterin’ under God’s wings is not just comfort, it’s courage. First Corinthians 16:13 says, “Be on your guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” That there means God’s wings don’t just cover us, they steady us. They give us boldness to stand when the world expects us to bend. They remind us that compromise might feel easier, but obedience is holier.

When fear tries to rattle your bones, God sho’-nuff’ steadies you. When pressure pushes you toward silence, He plum strengthens your voice. When the world expects you to fold, He downright reminds you that His wings are wide enough to shelter you and strong enough to keep you upright.

Father, steady my heart when standin’ firm feels costly. Teach me to trust Your wings more than my fears. Fill me with courage, conviction, and holy confidence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Well now, friend, if that there don’t git to warmin’ the biscuits of your spirit, I plum don’t know what will. I surely hope this here porch chat has done settled in your heart like a gentle lantern glowin’ on a quiet mountain evenin’. May the rest of your day stretch out like a wide valley path invitin’ a steady ol’ elk toward a drink of some clear stream water. Step forward with the kind of brave steadiness a lil’ gray squirrel shows when it scampers out from behind a stump trustin’ the good Lord to guide its next leap. And carry God’s shelter with you the way a seasoned ol’ tortoise carries its home, movin’ sure and calm no matter what else is happenin’ around it. Let His wings be the place you git to runnin’ to, the strength you git to standin’ on, and the courage that keeps your feet from wanderin’ off the narrow trail.

With joy,

Gwen