Several Psalms mention wings as a metaphor for God’s strong shield and covering over His children. Check these out:  

• How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. -Psalm 36:7
• 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. -Psalm 57:1
• I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. -Psalm 61:4
• Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. -Psalm 63:7

In each of these instances, the wings are providing shelter and refuge in a time of need. Life presents frequent situations where we yearn for security from someone or something. Think about it… If it’s storming outside, you seek shelter under a roof or in a basement. When there’s a string of burglaries in the neighborhood, you install a security system on your home. If you’re walking to your car late at night in an unfamiliar area, you might grab a friend to walk with you or call someone to at least talk to while you walk. If you’re taking an Uber by yourself, you might utilize the “share my trip” option so somebody knows where you are. There are plenty of wise ways to keep yourself physically safe. 

Of course, you can and should always ask God to be near you in situations like these! A quick prayer when you’re getting into the Uber or driving through a scary storm will invite Him in and remind you of His presence and protection. He is able to guard and protect you. 

But what about when you need to be shielded from not-so-tangible things? Do you need the covering of God’s protection as you deal with the death of a loved one and are tempted to spiral into depression? Do you need His strong shield to help you resist whatever temptations nag at you and threaten to pull you away from a godly lifestyle? Do you need the Lord’s welcoming place of refuge when insecurity is creeping into your mind and telling you you’re not good enough? 

When any kind of danger or uncertainty looms, whether it’s physical, emotional, mental or spiritual, we look for safety. We instinctively consider our options and search for security and protection. Where do your natural human instincts take you in moments like this? It’s often easiest to turn to people, money, status or even our own selves. I sometimes find temporary respite in comfort food or comfort scrolling on social media. But while these things might make me feel happy and safe for a while, whatever safety they seem to provide is shallow and short lived. 

God’s offer of refuge is different. It is thorough and complete! The promise of Psalm 90:4 says that whenever you find yourself in a place of vulnerability, He will cover you with His wings! His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. This one verse is promising three different kinds of protection.

1. WINGS: God’s metaphorical wings provide refuge. Under the cover of this protection, you gain peace. You can take a deep breath in His quiet shelter, allow your heart rate to steady, and think with clarity and care.  
2. SHIELD: God’s faithfulness is a shield. When a soldier carries a shield, it’s meant to protect him from incoming danger. Just because God covers you with His feathers doesn’t mean all danger will immediately disappear. Life on earth is a daily battle against sin and Satan, but when you choose to place yourself under the protection of the Almighty God, He will be your faithful shield. Have you ever stopped to think about all the ways God protects you that you’re probably not even aware of? There are constant incoming threats and attacks God is shielding you from.
3. RAMPART: The dictionary tells me a rampart is a defensive wall. It has a broad top with a walkway and also a lower protective wall. If you can imagine a defensive wall circling your life, envision God walking on it, keeping watch over you and looking out at any approaching danger. When you can see something coming, you can plan for it. You won’t be caught unaware and unprepared.

As I apply this incredible verse, I think about God’s wings protecting my inner peace, His shield protecting me from the daily battle against sin and Satan, and I envision Him as a rampart, teaching me to proactively and intentionally plan for inevitable difficulties. Because the world is imperfect, you will not walk through it untouched. But when you do get hit with pain, grief, hurt or whatever trouble comes your way, God will provide the refuge you need to move forward in strength. His faithfulness is perfect, and His protection is powerful. I am unwilling to face each day without it, and I know His formidable presence as wings, shield and rampart will provide exactly what I need—exactly when I need it.