Sheltered under the shadow of God

SUMMARY: When we are facing difficult situations and feel defenseless, we can take refuge in God. The Psalmist David, who was facing bankruptcy and danger, affirmed that his life was among lions - fierce enemies ready to devour his faith. He begged for God's mercy and declared his trust in Him, taking refuge in the shadow of His wings until the difficult moments passed. We too can find refuge in God when we face problems, situations, and temptations that threaten our faith and trust in Him.

It is comforting to know that we have a place to take refuge while the wounds are haunting our souls. The Psalmist David was going through bankruptcies; his life was in danger. Such was the magnitude that David affirms (v.4) “my life is among lions”, meaning that he was like among beasts that wanted to devour his soul, and he was defenseless and without escape. In other words, like ferocious beasts, enemies, situations, problems had risen up against him, crowding around him ready to devour his faith. This causes heartbreak, especially when those who rise up against us are merciless and merciless persecutors.


It is in those moments that the Psalmist David, raised his faith towards God and began begging for His mercy. That mercy that is renewed every morning over our lives (Lamentations 3:23). Then David makes a declaration of trust in God and finally, he declares that he would take refuge in the shadow of His wings until those breakdowns or difficult moments passed. This reminds us of the image of Psalm 91: 1 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will dwell in the shadow of the Almighty." Only that person can say “you are my hope and my castle, my God in whom I trust” (Psalm 91: 2 old version).


When we find ourselves among “lions”, haunted by wild beasts - problems, situations, temptations - that crowd around us to destroy our faith and trust in God, let us do like the Psalmist and recognize that we need to take refuge in God in those moments.