Sermon: “Under His Wings – The Blessings of God’s Protection”
Bible Verse “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.” Psalm 91:4
Introduction
Praise the Lord, Church! How are you all doing today?
“Glory to God! I feel His presence here! Some of us came in tired, but the Lord is our strength! Some came carrying burdens—but under His wings, we find rest! Maybe last week knocked the wind out of you, but Isaiah 40 says He renews the weary! So lift your hands with me and declare: ‘This is the day the Lord has made—I will rejoice!'”
When darkness seems to win, we must hold tighter to Psalm 91: ‘Under His wings, you will find refuge.’
In moments like these—when the ground shakes beneath our feet, when storms destroy in an instant, when life feels fragile—we desperately need an anchor.
Yet even in the chaos, Scripture offers us a breathtaking truth: God covers His people like a mother bird sheltering her young under her wings. This isn’t just poetic imagery—it’s a promise. When the psalmist wrote, “Under His wings you will find refuge” (Psalm 91:4), he was declaring that no storm is stronger than God’s protection.
Last week, many of us hoped for good news—for healing, for peace, for answers. Some of those hopes were fulfilled; others still hang in the balance. But today’s passage reminds us: Our hope isn’t in circumstances; it’s in the God who covers us.
Life is filled with storms—trials, fears, and uncertainties that leave us feeling exposed and vulnerable. Yet, Scripture paints a beautiful picture of God’s loving protection, comparing Him to a bird sheltering its young under its wings. In Psalm 91:4, we read, “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.” This imagery speaks of safety, warmth, and nearness to God.
Throughout the Bible, God’s wings symbolize His protection, provision, and presence. Just as a mother eagle hovers over her eaglets (Deuteronomy 32:11), God watches over us with tender care. Ruth found refuge under the wings of the God of Israel (Ruth 2:12), and Jesus longed to gather Jerusalem as a hen gathers her chicks (Matthew 23:37).
Today, we will explore three blessings of dwelling under God’s wings:
- Security in Life’s Storms – His wings shield us from fear and danger.
- Intimacy with God – Being under His wings means closeness to His heart.
- Renewed Strength – Like eagles, we are sustained by His power.
As we reflect on these truths, may we find fresh confidence in His sheltering love.
- Security in Life’s Storms – His Wings Shield Us from Fear and Danger
Life is unpredictable, and storms will come—financial struggles, health crises, relational conflicts, or overwhelming fears. Yet, under God’s wings, we find an unshakable refuge. Psalm 91:4 assures us, “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.” Just as a mother bird spreads her wings over her young to protect them from predators and harsh weather, God shields His children from harm.
In the Old Testament, Boaz commended Ruth for seeking refuge under the wings of the God of Israel (Ruth 2:12). She left her homeland, facing uncertainty, yet God became her defender and provider. Similarly, when David was pursued by enemies, he cried out, “Hide me in the shadow of Your wings”(Psalm 17:8). He knew that no earthly danger could overpower God’s covering.
Today, no matter what storms rage around us—whether anxiety, persecution, or trials—we can rest in the truth that God is our fortress. His wings are a place of safety from attacks, peace in chaos, and assurance in uncertainty. We need not live in fear because the One who commands the winds and waves holds us close.
Notice three truths about this protection:
- It is Personal – The mother bird doesn’t protect random chicks—only her own. Likewise, God covers His children (John 1:12).
- It is Complete – Just as wings shield from rain, wind, and predators, God’s protection covers every threat (Psalm 121:7).
- It is Active – David didn’t say “God might cover you”—he declared “He will cover you” (Psalm 91:4).
Illustration: When Hurricane Katrina hit, news crews filmed birds surviving the storm by tucking deep into tree hollows. The winds raged around them, but they were safe in their refuge.
Application: What storm are you facing today? Run to your Refuge. Like David fleeing from Saul, you can pray: “Hide me under the shadow of Your wings” (Psalm 17:8).
- Intimacy with God – Being Under His Wings Means Closeness to His Heart
To be under God’s wings is not just about protection—it’s about nearness to Him. A chick stays close to its mother for warmth, nourishment, and guidance. Likewise, God invites us into deep fellowship with Him. Jesus expressed this longing when He said, “How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings” (Matthew 23:37).
Moses experienced this intimacy when God hid him in the cleft of the rock (Exodus 33:22). David declared, “In the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy” (Psalm 63:7). Under God’s wings, we find a place of worship, a heart-to-heart connection, and a stillness that renews our souls.
Many believers seek God’s hand (His blessings) more than His face (His presence). But under His wings, we discover that the greatest blessing is knowing Him. Like John leaning on Jesus at the Last Supper (John 13:23), we are called to abide in His love. Are we drawing near, or have we allowed busyness, sin, or distractions to keep us at a distance? Today, let us press into His presence, for there is no safer or sweeter place than close to His heart.
Three marks of this intimacy:
- A Place of Worship – David sang under God’s wings (Psalm 63:7). Worship flourishes when we’re close to Him.
- A Place of Rest – Like John leaning on Jesus’ chest (John 13:23), we find soul-rest in His presence.
- A Place of Transformation – Moses’ face shone after being in God’s presence (Exodus 34:29).
Warning: Many seek God’s hand (blessings) more than His face (presence). But under His wings, we discover He is the blessing.
Response: Is your heart distant? Come near today. James 4:8 promises: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
- Renewed Strength – Like Eagles, We Are Sustained by His Power
God’s wings do not just protect and comfort—they empower us to rise above life’s challenges. Isaiah 40:31 says, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.”Eagles are known for their strength and ability to fly above storms. When turbulence comes, they lock their wings and let the wind carry them higher.
Similarly, under God’s wings, we are renewed, refreshed, and equipped to face trials with divine strength. David, exhausted and pursued, found courage in God’s sustaining power (Psalm 18:35). Elijah, drained and discouraged, was strengthened by God’s touch (1 Kings 19:5-8). Even when we feel weak, His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).
The world drains us, but God’s presence revives us. Like the Israelites fed with manna in the wilderness, He nourishes us daily. Like Samson, who regained strength when his hair grew back (Judges 16:22), we are restored when we abide in Him.
Are you weary? Burdened? Under His wings, you will find fresh anointing, divine endurance, and supernatural resilience. Stop striving in your own strength—wait on Him, and He will lift you up on eagle’s wings!
Eagles teach us three lessons:
- They Soar Above Storms – While other birds hide, eagles lock wings and ride the winds upward.
- They Renew Their Youth – Psalm 103:5 says God “renews your youth like the eagle’s.”
- They Teach Their Young – Deuteronomy 32:11 describes God as an eagle “hovering over its young.”
Application: Are you weary? Wait on Him. Like Elijah fed by ravens (1 Kings 17:6), God will sustain you.
This Week’s Self-Examination
Are we truly resting under God’s wings, or are we trying to face life’s battles alone? This week, let’s examine our hearts:
- Do I Trust His Protection? – When anxiety rises, do I run to God, or rely on my own strength? Psalm 57:1 says, “I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the disaster has passed.” Are we hiding in Him or striving in fear?
- Am I Close to His Heart? – Just as a chick stays near its mother, our spiritual safety depends on abiding in God’s presence. Are we prioritizing prayer and Scripture, or have distractions pulled us away?
- Do I Draw Strength from Him? – Isaiah 40:31 promises that those who wait on the Lord “will soar on wings like eagles.” Are we weary from self-effort, or are we letting Him renew us?
This week, let’s pause and realign ourselves under His wings. If we’ve wandered, let’s return. If we’re weary, let’s rest. His shelter is always open.
Conclusion
God’s wings are not just a metaphor—they are a reality for every believer who takes refuge in Him. In a world of chaos, we have a place of peace. In times of weakness, we have His strength. In moments of loneliness, we have His nearness.
Let us respond with gratitude, trust, and surrender. Like David, may we say, “Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge under the shelter of Your wings” (Psalm 61:4). And like Ruth, may we find our rest in the God who covers us with grace.
As we leave today, may we walk in the confidence that we are shielded, held, and carried by the One who will never let us fall. Under His wings, we are forever safe. Amen.
Under God’s wings, we find what every soul longs for:
Safety from life’s storms
Nearness to the Father’s heart
Strength to rise above
But we must choose to dwell there (Psalm 91:1). Some of us have been trying to face storms alone. Others have drifted from His presence.
Today, Jesus invites you:
The fearful – Find refuge in Him
The distant – Return to His embrace
The weary – Receive His strength
Prayer:
Let us bow our hearts in prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We come before You today, grateful for the refuge we find under Your mighty wings. In the storms of life—when fear grips our hearts, when uncertainty clouds our path, when weariness weighs us down—remind us to run to You, our Shelter. Cover us with Your feathers, Lord, and teach us to trust in Your unfailing protection.
Draw us close to Your heart, O God. Forgive us when we seek Your blessings more than Your presence. Like a child nestled under a parent’s wing, quiet our restless spirits and help us rest in the warmth of Your love. Renew our strength, Lord, as You renew the eagle’s. Lift us above the chaos, and empower us to soar on the winds of Your Spirit.
We pray for those feeling exposed, distant, or drained today. Meet them under Your wings. May Your church rise up, anchored in Your security, intimacy, and power.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Benediction: