Safe in the Shadow

On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.  Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.   Psalm 63:6-7

David was chosen by God, appointed by the prophet Samuel to be King.  As a shepherd, he trusted the helping hand of God to be his strength and refuge.  He protected his flock from the wild beast, killed lions with his bare hands and with a single stone brought down the most feared Philistine.  And yet, despite his faith in God, he made some terribly poor decisions.  Falling into temptation with a beautiful woman, wife of a soldier off at war whom later he would have killed.  With child, they marry and because of his sin, God takes this child.  Yet, in obedience, David and Bathsheba bear another, a son, the wisest, King Solomon.

Despite his sin — David was a man after God’s own heart!
Oh God, hear my cries today as I sit on my bed and remember you.
In the stillness of the morning I reflect on your beauty in all you touch.
From the depths of the ocean to the furthest star of which you’ve named.
In my sin, much has been taken from me, and I mourn the loss.
Through the night I dream of the death of what I called my life — and dream of you.
I pray forward, through my obedience, that you allow the birth of new life.
For now I rest in the shadow of your wings, near your breast or as you soar.
I sing, like the bird who sings after the storm.  She does because it swells from within.
Not because she’s hungry, not because she’s lonely, not because she’s grieving . . .
but because she knows she’s safe in the shadow of your wing and she sings praise!

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.  Proverbs 18:10