He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” (Psalm 91:4, KJV)

When we place our faith and trust in God to protect and guide us along life’s journey, we will never be disappointed. The Psalmist uses the metaphor of an eagle to describe God’s protective, loving care for His beloved children. Eagles are strong, powerful, caring, and very protective of their young – they can soar way above the storms, flying as high as 30,000 feet, and have exceptional vision. Just like the eaglet, the Psalmist uses this imagery of God’s loving care, and writes with confidence, “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” (Psalm 91:4, KJV)

God’s divine act of covering us beneath His wings of love gives us the strength to trust in His truth and faithfulness. His truth is the ground on which we stand. His providential will and power protect and provide for all that we need; He is our shield and buckler against any and everything that we encounter in this life. 

Roman soldiers used ancient shields for defense in battle. A “buckler” was a type of object that surrounded the body and afforded protection against enemy attacks. Praise God, the words of (Psalm 46:1 , KJV) remind us that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” He is our shield and buckler!

Life happens, and we are subject to encountering catastrophic circumstances, whether physical, spiritual, financial, or mental difficulties. Even so, we need not fear, because we are safe in God’s protective arms. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10, KJV)

Wherever God leads, He will safely keep us. His truth brings light and casts out fear in those times of uncertainty.  All born-again believers can rest assured that our steps are ordered by the Lord. Even when we fall, just like the eaglet that is pushed out of the nest to fly…when it falters, the eagle swoops down and bears it up to safety. Our Great and Almighty God has His protective eye on us and will also scoop down and succor us through the storms of life.

May the comforting words of the old familiar hymn His eye is on the sparrow, keep our hearts and minds in perfect peace:

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,

Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,

When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

May God’s peace and protection be with us all.