I turned over and looked at the clock. Five minutes past midnight. I sighed. It had only been two hours since I turned out the light, and already I was awake.
As I lay there in the dark, I could hear the wind howling. I snuggled under the covers a little deeper, grateful for the warmth and stability of my home. I tried to pray but my thoughts, like the wind and snow outside, seemed to be swirling every which way. Oh, for the nights when sleep came easily and I didn't wake up until dawn.
What do you do when you can't sleep?
What do you do when you can't sleep?
Gradually, the words to an old hymn began to slip their way into my mind:
Under His wings I am safely abiding,
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild;
Still I can trust Him - I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me and I am His child.
"Though the night deepens and tempests are wild" certainly described this night - outside and in. The reassuring words of trust, redemption, and belonging began to quiet my heart.
Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort and there I am blest.
Under His wings, O what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life's trials are o're;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,
Resting in Jesus I'm safe evermore.
Sweet memories of taking the girls to the Harford Fair made me smile in the darkness. Every year, we visited the mother hen who sheltered her chicks under her wings. Witnessing the fluffy chicks hiding under their mother stamped an indelible impression on this city girl as I explained how, just like the mother hen, God shelters and protects us.
Under His wings, Under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.*
Sleep evaded me for much of the night, but I could rest in the One who is "my God, in whom I trust." One who will cover us with his pinions, and under his wings we will find refuge . . . (Psalm 91:2, 4).
*William O. Cushing, 1823-1902
*Photos from bling.com/images/free to use
*Photos from bling.com/images/free to use
Love, love, love this Sarah!! This is one of my favorite verses! We can rest in Him knowing we are sheltered and comforted. I could read your blog all day long! What encouragement it brings me. Thank you so much. Don't ever stop writing!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna. The promises of God are our lifeline, as you know. So grateful for each one! Blessings to you.
DeleteUnder His wings ... beautiful reminder of our position. Lovely, Sarah.
ReplyDeleteAnd to think the words to the Psalm (and hymn) were written so long ago and are still so very relevant . . .
DeleteLoved the simplicity of this post and the imagery your words evoke. The hymn is beautiful! I'm not familiar with that one, and its words will stay with me. Thanks Sarah!
ReplyDeleteAppreciate your thoughts, Cheryl. Songwriters have a special ministry to us all . . .
DeleteI loved this, Sarah. As one who has struggled, at different times with sleep, your words encouraged my heart to abide in Him, even as storms swirl about me. Loved the words to that hymn! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie. I often pray for those in our Bible study. Blessings to you today.
DeleteBrought back memories of singing this around a simple grave of a missionary husband and dad in East Pakistan when I was a child. Precious comfort!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lydia, for sharing your experience of comfort - what a picture. The hymns often remind us of a God who cares for us even when our hearts are breaking. Blessings . . .
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