Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
These are David's words, spoken as a hunted fugitive in the wilderness who found refuge in rocks and caves and had no resting place on earth. Because God had been his help, remembering that past help gives reason to rejoice with joy and confidence in His protection, pictured as shelter and rest in the shadow of His wings. That remembering brings safety and care under His protection, with gratitude for His sustaining help amid severe suffering.
The image expresses trust and confidence in God as a refuge, to be held even as a fugitive and amid severe suffering, with gratitude for His sustaining help, safety, care, and secure abiding. Seeking and following Him, serving Him, and obeying His voice express this trust in His care. Because He has helped in the past He can be trusted now even when poverty and care press heavily, dark clouds enshroud, no way opens before, and it feels as if forsaken. He does not then forsake, and His love and mercy are to be trusted in clouds and darkness as well as in sunshine.
Remembering His past help strengthens a desponding heart, increases wavering confidence, and fixes trembling faith upon sure promises. It turns doubt and distress into joy and gladness and praise. It leads to believing that He who has hitherto been helper will not leave now, but raises up to still live and endure trials, to watch and wait for Christ's appearing, and to glorify His name.
These are David's words, spoken as a hunted fugitive in the wilderness who found refuge in rocks and caves and had no resting place on earth. Because God had been his help, remembering that past help gives reason to rejoice with joy and confidence in His protection, pictured as shelter and rest in the shadow of His wings. That remembering brings safety and care under His protection, with gratitude for His sustaining help amid severe suffering.
The image expresses trust and confidence in God as a refuge, to be held even as a fugitive and amid severe suffering, with gratitude for His sustaining help, safety, care, and secure abiding. Seeking and following Him, serving Him, and obeying His voice express this trust in His care. Because He has helped in the past He can be trusted now even when poverty and care press heavily, dark clouds enshroud, no way opens before, and it feels as if forsaken. He does not then forsake, and His love and mercy are to be trusted in clouds and darkness as well as in sunshine.
Remembering His past help strengthens a desponding heart, increases wavering confidence, and fixes trembling faith upon sure promises. It turns doubt and distress into joy and gladness and praise. It leads to believing that He who has hitherto been helper will not leave now, but raises up to still live and endure trials, to watch and wait for Christ's appearing, and to glorify His name.