Pinioned

“God will protect you with his pinions; you'll find refuge under his wings. His faithfulness is a protective shield.” (Psalm 91:4 CEB)

This morning I woke up earlier than usual. As I sat quietly in reverie, a deep weight settled over me. I felt pinioned--like a bird whose wings were held close to its body. For a few hours, I was restrained securely by God. 

Like most people, I don’t like to be restricted. I want to do what I want, when and wherever I want, in the way I want to do it. I want to be in control, have the freedom to make my own decisions. I rankle at any form of confinement. 

Like young birds who have discovered their wings, we want to fly unfettered. Yet God tucks us into his pinions, guarding us from harm. Under his wings, we are safe. God’s protective shield sometimes feels restrictive. When we feel pinned down and tethered, it’s tempting to rebel. Don’t. Use the instincts that are deep within you. Remain securely pinioned under God’s wings. 

Ephemeral Insights

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.” (Psalm 91:4 NIV)

In the Bible, feathers symbolize God’s covering and protection. Some people believe that feathers are signs from angels. I have a habit of picking up feathers that I find on paths. They remind me of quills that were used as writing implements before the invention of pens. In my imagination, a large feather, directly in my path, is a confirmation of my calling as a writer. I keep these feathers in a basket on my bookshelf for inspiration.  During a recent run, I saw a large feather directly in front of my feet. Since I was almost at the end of a timed workout, I didn’t stoop down to pick it up. I went back to look for it in five minutes, but it was gone. The wind had blown it away. 

Insights are ephemeral.  Like feathers, they need to be picked up before they are blown away. God opens the eyes of our heart, illuminating our imagination for brief moments. Evanescent gifts of inspiration, confirmation, and understanding need to be cherished and recorded. These moments cannot be replicated or retrieved at our convenience. Pay attention to insights as soon as they come to you. Pause whatever you are doing. Stoop down and pick up the gift. Recognize that discernment is precious, yet fleeting. 

“I pray that the light of God will illuminate the eyes of your imagination, flooding you with light, until you experience the full revelation of the hope of his calling.” (Ephesians 1:18 TPT)