Wings Like a Dove

“My heart is sore pained within me…Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.” Psalm 55:4-8

The heavy waves of oppression beat fiercely against our ship with an ever strengthening force, tossing us violently about. Harder and harder they crash against our haul, attempting to destroy the very foundation on which we stand. On and on they come. Will the stormy sea ever calm? The winds of discouragement blow harder, willing to tear our sails and set us off course. Where is our port of rest, the harbor of safety? It seems so very far away.

Sometimes life seems so hard to bear. Everything seems against us. Even friends turn their backs, and do that which I least expect from them. Oh, deliver me from the oppression of man! The storms of trouble howl and rage. One after another they come upon us. Just as one has ceased, another begins. I find myself longing for sweet relief. Tears course my cheeks. Oh, that I had wings like a dove! Then would I fly away, far away. I would find my resting place where no troubles can discover me, where no human face is to be seen. I would breathe deeply, and dwell alone in the safety of my Refuge.

A little child playing hide-and-go-seek will cover his eyes and, though his body is visible, he believes that he is well hidden simply because he cannot see the one seeking him. I wish life were that simple. I wish I could hide my face from trouble and have it all vanish away.

Lord, just enough energy to get through the day, is that too much to ask? Lord, enough fortitude to face the struggles, is that too much to ask?

The church leadership is under attack; the people are facing front-line fire. The family is wounded and valiantly struggling to remain composed. Personal problems and physical weakness. Spiritual darkness falls heavy, grows thicker. Government agents are used as pawns in the evil hands of the ruler of this world. Our missionary friends are being forced to leave the country. What we must suffer for the sake of the ministry!

Heaven grows sweeter with each passing day.

I questioned the Lord’s ways, and I heard the words “My grace is sufficient for thee; My strength is made perfect in weakness.” God must have some purpose for all this. I do not understand, but it is not my place to understand. I have only to trust Him, for I have a sure promise.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

“When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19