“How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings” (Psalm 36:7 ESV).
David had just described the deceitfulness and wickedness of sinful people. Then he lifted his eyes from the character of the wicked to the character of God. He had declared that God’s steadfast love reached to the heavens and His faithfulness to the clouds. Now he had called that love “precious,” meaning valuable, costly, and highly prized. David had understood that sinful people could not find refuge in God’s justice apart from His mercy. Instead, they could take refuge in God’s steadfast love. The God whose righteousness was like the mountains and whose judgments were like the great deep had welcomed fragile human beings under the shadow of His wings. The image had portrayed both tenderness and protection, like a mother bird sheltering her young. It had also recalled the cherubim’s wings over the mercy seat, where God had made His presence known among His people.
We often run from God when we have sinned, failed, or become afraid. Yet the gospel tells us that God’s steadfast love is not something we must earn before approaching Him. His mercy invites us to come near. We see this steadfast love most clearly in Jesus Christ, who willingly gave Himself for sinners. Jesus even used the tender image of a hen gathering her chicks under her wings to describe His desire to gather His people to Himself (Luke 13:34). When we truly understand God’s precious steadfast love, we will stop running from Him and start running to Him. We can find refuge in His presence because His love is precious, faithful, merciful, and secure.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for Your precious steadfast love. When we are afraid, ashamed, or aware of our sin, help us run toward You rather than away from You. Remind us that Your mercy invites us into Your presence and that we are safe beneath the shadow of Your wings. Help us see Your steadfast love most clearly in Jesus and trust Him more completely. May we rest in the preciousness of Your love and extend that same love and mercy to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.