I’m a city boy and two years ago I became a first time “Daddy” to a dozen incubated, mail-order baby chickens.  They arrived huddled together in a small shoe-box package happily chirping away.   Within a few days most of these chicks doubled in size and that’s when I first witnessed bigger chicks pecking on smaller chicks and the words “Pecking order” really came to life.  

Throughout history, and around the globe, people have owned lots of chickens.  Chickens are as old as creation (you know – the chicken and egg story) but for me and my family – chickens are exciting and new.

And speaking of new – just today, we watched as two baby chicks broke through their eggs to say hello to their momma.  Now I gotta tell you that this brand–new mother hen never had a mother of her own because she was hatched in an incubator – but God sure gave her the instinct to be a mom!

She talks a special new language to her chicks to tell them to come or go.  She gently prods them forward and calls them back – and they never wander far.  But the very best part is how these chicks hide under their mother’s wings.  She puffs up her body, fluffs out her feathers and beckons her chicks to disappear inside – where they stay warm, dry and protected.  

No wonder the Bible uses this imagery to describe how our Mighty God watches over us!  Psalm 91 says, “He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge.” (Ps 91:4)

I cannot imagine a safer place to be.

Surrounded by the softness and warmth of God’s wings.  Hidden and sheltered.  At home with God.  Secure next to his giant presence.

He will cover you with his feathers!! This is where you and I belong.