HOW LIKE A HEN'S FEATHERS IS GOD'S COVERING FOR YOU?

A hen’s feathers may seem too inadequate for protecting her chicks, but not so. They can be formidable when used against the enemy. Such is God’s protection for us against the enemy, Satan. We can count on His protection—when we choose to dwell with Him.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES             by Sally Bair

Feathers and faith

He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. (Psalm 91:4)

Have you ever watched a mother hen protect its young from danger? She does not run to her youngsters and jump up to try to cover them with her wings. Rather, the hen hunkers down, spreads her wings and begins to cluck. When the chicks hear her, they run to her and scoot under her feathers. As soon as they’re all safe, she pulls her wings down tight to tuck them in.

What a picture of God! When Jesus lamented over the state of His people, He used the example of maternal love to demonstrate His deep and faithful commitment. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37)

God’s faithfulness shows itself to us not only as a mother hen but as a shield. A hen’s feathers become a shield for her chicks just as God’s Word becomes a shield for us. According to Jesus’ words, the contrast between God’s willingness to protect us and our unwillingness to accept is great. His faithful love is always available. However, it is not automatic. He’s always there, but we must run to Him by believing He truly will protect us when we ask.

Countless people have been rescued from harm by reciting Psalm 91 in faith. Perhaps you’re one of them or know of someone who has found safety therein. Some, however, refuse to avail themselves of God’s love and protection because they believe they are unworthy. Or perhaps pride in believing they can save themselves robs many of His protection.

For still others, busyness is their faith-robber. God gifts each of us with twenty-four hours a day. When we tally how much time we spend sleeping, eating, working, having fun and interacting with family, we often come up short in the time we spend with God—through prayer and Bible reading and meditation. Such a shortage affects our faith and relationship with Him, which may rob us of His willing protection.

Lord, thank You for Your faithful love and protection. Fill us with the desire to depend on You as a baby chick depends on its mother for all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.