MAY 7
Psalm 91:4, ”Under his wings you will find refuge.”
The central theme of Psalm 91 is divine protection. The psalmist trusts in God’s power to safeguard those who dwell in His presence. God is portrayed as a shield against a wide range of threats, including danger, disease, and disaster. The psalm culminates with God’s own promises of deliverance, protection, and honor for those who trust in Him. Within this context, the psalmist uses the tender image of God’s protection being like shelter under His wings, offering comfort and safety.
The well-known hymn “Under His Wings” draws deeply from the imagery and message of this psalm. Written in the late 1800s by William Orcutt Cushing, the hymn emerged from his own painful life experiences. Cushing, a pastor and hymn writer, dedicated much of his life to ministry and music. However, his journey took a tragic turn when he lost his voice due to paralysis of the vocal cords, forcing him to retire from preaching. Around the same time, he also suffered the heartbreaking loss of his wife. These trials led him into a long season of grief and spiritual introspection.
Out of this personal sorrow, the hymn was born. Just as the psalm reflects a deep sense of security and healing in God’s care, Cushing’s hymn echoes that same comfort—drawing on the image of a mother bird sheltering her young. It conveys the truth that there is a sacred place of refuge near to God, where His gentle presence offers freedom, safety, and peace from all fear.
“ Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.”
—William Cushing
Application Questions: In what areas of your life are you currently seeking protection, and how can trusting in God’s presence help? Like William Cushing, have you experienced a time of grieving that led you to a deeper level of trust in Him? How might you use that experience to encourage others?
LookingtoJesus 