«Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice» (Psalm 63:7).
A FOREST RANGER from Yellowstone National Park in the United States recounted an extraordinary event for the television cameras. After a forest fire had destroyed many acres of vegetation, he found a charred bird in the ashes; when he shook it with a stick, he discovered under the lifeless body three little baby birds that immediately began to move, making a big commotion. The mother had covered them under her wings and had protected them to the end, even though she had had to pay with her own life.Doesn’t it seem wonderful to you that in the Holy Scriptures the Lord compares His relationship with His children with the relationship birds have with their little ones? Jesus Himself said, «How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!» (Luke 13:34). The psalmist David found that there is no greater comfort than being covered by God’s wings. He referred to them over and over as his impregnable refuge: «Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me under the shadow of Your wings» (Psalm 17:8); «In the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by» Psalm 57:1); «I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings» (Psalm 61:4).
My son once made a list of the things he wanted and, as usual, my husband and I set some limits, knowing that we were forming his character.»Too bad we aren’t millionaires,» he sighed.
To this, my husband replied: «Of course we are. Just think that a heart operation costs more than one million dollars. If you have a healthy heart, you are already a millionaire!’Perhaps that was not enough for my little boy, but it should be enough for you, dear reader. If God gives you shade under His powerful wings, if He helps you in all your anxieties, what is stopping you from rejoicing on this day? Paul exclaimed: «Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!» (Philippians 4:4). The Christian woman is a seeker of daily hopes, a dreamer of a better homeland, an untiring worker who earns great achievements, and above all, someone who goes down on her knees many times to see the glory of God. Every time she finds it, she rejoices in His presence again. That is why I also say to you: «Rejoice!»