Refuge

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge” (Psalm 91:4 NIV)

Earlier this year, during a quiet season with the Lord, i was drawn to Psalm 18. I was struck by the sheer volume of imagery indicating the security God provides for His children– He is our strength, our rock, our fortress, our savior, our shield, our stronghold, our REFUGE. This last word resonated with me. I realized I had built walls to protect myself from hurt, when what I actually needed was to find my hiding place in Him. 

I’ve adopted the word REFUGE for the year and set out to explore its depth through several meditative art pieces. This drawing is inspired by Psalm 91:4. As I drew, I considered how the mother swan’s protective covering for her babies reflects God’s desire to shelter me. I also noticed that a refuge is not a place of isolation, but a sanctuary shared with others. One surprising realization was that taking refuge under God’s wings is not static but dynamic; just as the mother swan moves forward, God continues to fulfill His purposes for me even while I rest in Him. 

Whenever I look at this drawing, God whispers, “Under my wings you are safe” and I sigh in deep relief.

Bev Hawkins

For Reflection

• What do you notice as you look at this picture? Is there a word, verse, or memory with God that it reminds you of?

• What images come to your mind when you hear the word REFUGE. How do those relate to the character of God?