Shelter Beneath His Wings

Weekday Posts
Written By Dean Collins

By Dean Collins

Psalm 61 is a longtime favorite of mine. Back in the late 70s and into the 80s, I did a lot of worship leading and led many groups in singing the first several verses. I witnessed the power of these words bringing comfort and strength to those who sang or even listened to David’s beautiful prayer. Reading this Psalm today reminds me of our unfortunate tendency to run to the Lord frequently when all else has failed, though a passion to go to the Lord in all things might be an indication of deeper spiritual formation. 

Seeking the Lord in seasons of desperation when “my heart is faint” is good. The shelter of abiding in and under the “wings,” or shelter, of God is better comfort and help than anything the world has to offer. God is our strong tower against the enemy, who seeks to disrupt our thoughts and emotions.

Jesus told us that in this world we would have many troubles. The ancient book of Job indicates that suffering can and does come to everyone, even when you are doing many things well and right. Personally, I have come to realize that I need to seek refuge and shelter in God’s presence on the good and easy days and on the difficult and desperate days. Though it is easy to forget or put off that quiet still time in the Lord’s presence when things seem to be going well. And when we forget to go to the Lord in the good times, we often think that we are the ones who create and control the good times. Satan just smiles when we stumble in our arrogance and pride.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that when we seek first his kingdom and live out the kingdom life that he described in this sermon, we are establishing a firm and solid foundation where we live. Adherence to the ways of Jesus assure that we won’t be blown away by the storms of life. They may batter and spray, but they will not destroy. The psalmist expressed it this way: “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

The psalmist said, “Let me dwell in your tent forever!” In John 8:31, we find this encouragement from Jesus:

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

 Dwelling in the tent or tabernacle was to stay in God’s presence, which was truly impossible. But Jesus made this possible through the resurrection and by sending us the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. As we seek the Lord in prayer each day, we rediscover that God’s presence is always with us. And obedience to the teachings of Jesus indicate that we have discovered this wonderful gift. Not only do we become disciples and learners of Jesus, his words and presence help us see the truth about God, about ourselves, and about his plan for his creation and gives us freedom.

 So, Father, today we run to your presence because we want to be with you, not only in times of desperation but on every occasion. Today we seek to follow you more closely. We pray that your kingdom come and your will be done in our lives and through our work. Thank you for the shelter and the strength we find when we stand on the firm foundation of Jesus. In his name we pray, amen.

Your Time with God’s Word
Psalm 61:1-8 ESV

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Dean Collins

Pastor, campus minister, counselor, corporate employee, Fortune 500 consultant, college president—Dean brings a wide range of experiences and perspectives to his daily walk with God’s Word. 

In 1979 he founded Auburn Christian Fellowship, a nondenominational campus ministry that still thrives today. In 1989 he founded and became executive director for New Directions Counseling Center, a service that grew to include several locations and counselors. In 1996 he became vice president of human resources for the CheckFree Corporation (3,000 employees) till founding DC Consulting in 1999. He continues part-time service with that company, offering executive leadership coaching, organizational effectiveness advice, and help with optimizing business relationships.

His latest pursuit, president of Point University since 2006 (interim president 2006-2009), has seen the college grow in enrollment, curriculum, physical campus, and athletic offerings. He led the school’s 2012 name change and relocation from Atlanta Christian College, East Point, Georgia, to Point University in West Point, Georgia. Meanwhile, he serves as board member or active volunteer with several nonprofits addressing issues ranging from global immunization to local government and education. 

He lives in Lanett, Alabama, with his wife, Penny. He has four children (two married) and five grandchildren. He plays the guitar, likes to cook, and enjoys getting outdoors, often on a nearby golf course. 

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