God’s Protective Power

Isaiah uses the image of birds to illustrate God’s protective power over his people. “Like birds flying about, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem. Defending, he will also deliver it; passing over, he will preserve it” (Isaiah 31:5, NKJV). The Hebrew meaning of this verse is “As the hen birds flutter over their young, so shall Jehovah, God of hosts, spread out his wings over Jerusalem.” 

God told Israel, “If you want to be protected from the onslaught of the enemy, then hide under my wings. I will secure you, covering you like a mother hen covers her chicks. You no longer have to live in fear of your enemies.” 

Are you in great warfare right now? Are you facing an enemy that is too powerful for you? If so, how do you expect to remain pure, faithful and Christlike while others around you are falling? How will you gain victory over your lusts and temptations when Satan comes against you like a roaring lion?

God asks simply that you lay down your sword and trust him to take up his sword on your behalf. He wants you to come to the point where you say, “Lord, I know the battle is not mine anymore. I have failed so many times. Now, I come to you in simple faith. Help me, God.” 

The Lord is urging you to cling to him in the midst of your battle. Your victory is all a matter of faith in his power and willingness to deliver you. When the enemy has overwhelmed you, come to him and pour out your soul. Seek the Lord with all your heart, and he will go to battle for you. 

The battle is never ours. It is always the Lord’s! 

“He shall cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you shall take refuge; his truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day” (Psalm 91:4-5).