Protection. We have heard a lot about it lately. There are some who read this blog and are packing heat. I believe in the right to carry and I appreciate those who have gone through the proper channels to obtain a license. Protection is very important to us.

Last night we were at my son Zach’s basketball game and we came home pretty late. As I was opening the door to our home, I heard a loud noise and I thought it came from inside the house. I had my family wait at the door while I went through and checked the entire house. I looked in all the places where I thought someone might hide and did not find anybody or anything. Thank goodness.

I gave the all-clear and we went about our evening rituals of getting ready for bed. I sat down for a minute in my recliner and my youngest son, Isaac, came from his room and stood beside me. He had a pair of drum sticks and said he was prepared to fight. I didn’t get what he was talking about at first, but then I realized he was scared. He was trying to be brave, but he said asked me if I could come and check out his room. He wanted me to say prayers with him and as I was putting him to bed he asked if I could leave his light on. I leaned down and told him that nothing was going to bother him because I would do everything in my power to protect him. He curled up and then he went to sleep.

David, in my reading today, was in this same position. He is still running from his enemies as they strive to do him harm. In Psalm 11 he says, “I trust in the Lord for protection.” Have I ever been afraid like Isaac was? Yes. I would prefer others to know I am a macho man who is never afraid, but honestly, that is not me. I get afraid at times. I think about my family and get afraid for their protection. I am afraid I will not be a good Dad, or that I will fail. Sometimes, like last night, when I come home to the noise inside my house I am afraid when I am supposed to be the strong one. I know I am not the only one who feels this way, but sometimes I feel I am the only one who admits it.

So what are we supposed to do? Cower in fear? No. David continues, “But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.”

Today, I can be assured Jesus will always be my Refuge. There was a time in my life I will never forget. I was probably around six or seven years old and I was staying with my Great Grandma Ingram. She was out working in the garden and I was doing what a six or seven-year-old boy does, exploring. She had given me explicit instructions to stay away from the chicken coop because the hen had just had some baby chicks.

Have you ever been around a mama hen? I can say I have. I peeked through the barn wall and I knew I had to get my hands on a baby chick. What would it hurt? Just petting one would not hurt a thing, would it? I looked around the yard to see if anyone was looking and I creaked open the barn door and stepped into the coop. I looked at all the little chicks running around and I proceeded to shut the door behind me. That was a mistake. I made one step forward and I heard a sound that I don’t think I have ever heard before or heard since. The baby chicks began scurrying and made their way to their mama. She raised her wings and all were safe up and under her.

She then made a noise which rings loudly in my ears, even today. She made her way towards me and I remember thinking that I was going to die. I began to scream for my life and I plastered myself up against the barn doors. I was completely terrified and shaking uncontrollably. When the mama hen quietened down I could hear a deep belly laugh coming from behind the door as my Great Grandma Ingram pulled me from the threatening mama hen. I didn’t get in trouble that day because she could not stop laughing. Jesus even mentioned this story in Matthew 23:37 when He said, “How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings…” He knew this was going to be my story.

What did the chickens teach me? Stay away from the chickens, of course. But spiritually speaking it gave me an example of how my Savior cares for me. When I am scared in this life He becomes my Refuge. Jeremiah 16:19 says, “Lord, you are my strength and fortress, my refuge in the day of trouble!” Today, if you are afraid, if you are scared of events taking place in your life, if you are in trouble, then know Jesus desires to be your refuge. He desires for you to run under His wings for His protection. Even though I am scared of chickens now, I am so glad this experience happened in my life. I have a very real description of how my Savior protects me when I run under His wings. Do you need you His protection today? You can have it, because He loves you. He will do everything to protect you. How do I know? Everything consisted of dying for you and me.

I leave you with this today. In 1896 William Cushing and Ira Sankey penned the words and music to Under His Wings. As I was listening to the song today, it definitely sums up this blog. Under His wings I can safely abide forever because He loves me. As you read the song, know If you need Him today, He is only a prayer away.

Under His wings I am safely abiding, Though the night deepens and tempests are wild, Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me, He has redeemed me, and I am His child.

Under His wings, under His wings, Who from His love can sever? Under His wings my soul shall abide, Safely abide forever.

Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow! How the heart yearningly turns to His rest! Often when earth has no balm for my healing, There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.

Under His wings, oh, what precious enjoyment! There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er; Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me, Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.