He shall cover you with His feathers,
and under his wings you shall take refuge;

Ps 91:4a. NKJV

My son-in-law built a charming playhouse for his girls. But to my surprise, he recently converted that same little house into a chicken coop! I now believe the chickens’ shenanigans have provided more entertainment than the girls’ playhouse adventures.

Recent stories include a hen and her three hatchlings. With the slightest threatening sound or movement, mamma hen stretches her wings and quickly draws them close for protection. That is also true when night falls. I recently received a picture of the hatchlings peeking out from under her wings while she roosted secure within the playhouse.

I can learn about habits of chickens and birds from my son-in-law, books, videos, or nature shows. The Psalmist, though, most likely shooed chickens as he walked through his village. Perhaps he gathered their eggs when he was young. He surely noticed the way they protected their young in the nest or under their wings. Now, as a psalmist in the temple, he offered this visual metaphor as an example for how God watches over us.  

If this tender provision is always available, why do I not run to it as my first option? It is more likely my last desperate choice when all else fails. I wish I could blame this on a new faith in Jesus. Instead, I must sadly admit I have known God’s caring provision for decades.

O Lord, prompt my heart with your Holy Spirit to find my refuge in You. Cover me with Your love, care, provision, and comfort. Grant me the awareness of this amazing gift that I may praise You!

Linda Lesniewski