Under His Wings

Bible Reading: Psalm 91:1-4

Marta jumped off the school bus and sprinted through the rain to the front door of her house. But as soon as she opened the door, she wished she could get back on the bus. Angry voices filled the air. Marta clenched her jaw at the sound of her parents fighting again.

After dropping her backpack in the hallway, Marta ran back out the door. They’re yelling even louder than usual, she thought. Why do they always fight?

Marta ran across the yard to the chicken coop and slipped inside to stay out of the rain. Tears trickled down her cheeks as she sat huddled on a pile of hay.

Although Marta could no longer hear her parents’ angry words, their yelling echoed louder and louder in her heart until she shook with great sobs. I wish they wouldn’t fight, Marta thought as she took a deep breath. She felt so alone. She just wanted her family to be happy. Home never felt peaceful when her parents weren’t getting along.

Marta gazed over at the hens as they sat in their nests. Tiny peeping sounds chirped from the hay on the other side of the coop. One hen had recently hatched several chicks, and Marta saw small bits of yellow fluff peeking out from under the mother hen’s wings. She knew the hen’s wings were keeping the tiny chicks warm in the chilly weather.

As she watched the chicks, Marta remembered a Bible verse she had memorized in her class at church: “Under his wings you will find refuge.” Her teacher had explained that it compared God to a mother bird, but God’s care was far better.

“Dear Jesus, I feel all alone,” Marta prayed. “When Mom and Dad fight, it hurts me inside. I’m glad I can turn to You when I’m sad. I know You promise to never leave your children. Thank you for being with me all the time, no matter what happens. Help me feel safe under Your wings even when my family is unhappy.” Marta began to feel peace as she remembered God’s promises of faithfulness and love. She knew she would never be alone. • Susan Sauers

How About You?

Do your parents or others in your family fight and argue? Do you ever feel like no one knows what you’re going through? Jesus knows, and He cares. He wants you to come to Him for help—like chicks hiding under their mother’s wings. Tell Him how you feel. Memorize Bible verses that remind you of His love and faithfulness. Find an adult you can share your concerns with. Always remember that Jesus will never leave you all alone.

Today’s Key Verse: Hebrews 13:5 Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Take refuge in Jesus