The Feather in my Purse

“He will cover you with his feathers;
you will take refuge under his wings.
His faithfulness will be a protective shield.”
Psalm 91:4 (CSB)

Arise and shine, dear one! God is with you!

One of the greatest joys of motherhood has been watching my children discover the world around them. While walking along a trail, any number of rocks, sticks, or leaves will capture their attention, and their immediate response is to secure the treasured item in mom’s pocket or purse. Days later, I'll discover these precious finds tucked away in my bag and remember the smiles on my kids’ faces.

Recently, while cleaning out my purse, I found a feather my children had saved weeks ago. As I held it in my hands, Psalm 91:4 came to mind, and I felt prompted to look up this familiar passage in my Bible.

As I read through Psalm 91, the study notes at the bottom of the page caught my attention. I learned something new that I had never connected before. “The imagery of wings alludes to the cherubim surrounding the ark of the covenant. Those who seek God’s protection will be shielded by his faithfulness.” (CSB Study Bible)

On the cover of the ark of the covenant were two cherubim with their wings outstretched like a canopy of protection, as they looked down upon the mercy seat, where God’s Presence dwelt. Inside the ark was a gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. (Hebrews 9:4)

The items under those cherubim wings told the same story: God is faithful. In the wilderness, God took care of His children and their every need. He was faithful to His covenant, even when they weren’t.

That small feather my children treasured became a reminder of a profound truth: I’m safe under the wings of God’s faithfulness. As a mama bird tucks her baby birds under her feathers, sheltering them beneath her wings, God’s faithfulness in our lives is a safe refuge. We can cling to His promises in Scripture and know that He’s got us.

Take a moment today to remember His faithfulness in your own life, dear one. Reflect on those times He provided, protected, and kept His promises. Then rest in the assurance that the same God who sheltered you before will shelter you still. Under His faithful wings, you are safe.