Article April 16, 1932 Issue

"Under his wings shalt thou trust"

JESSIE LOSEY WHITNEY

How broad was the Psalmist's view of God as our dwelling place! God is also spoken of as "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble," and as "a shelter ... and a strong tower from the enemy." More than most of the Old Testament writings, the Psalms present the idea of a God of love; and it is little wonder that Jesus, the beloved Way-shower, appreciated the Psalms and quoted from them even in his dark hour on the cross. Through the Psalmist's words one sees God as a great King, a fortress, a gentle shepherd, a light in the darkness, and a loving friend when the closest human ties fail.

Of the many figures of speech employed to make plain to mankind God's loving-kindness, one used in the fourth verse of the ninety-first Psalm is especially clear and tender: "He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust." A pair of birds once nested in the crotch of a maple tree. A sudden storm arose, bringing high wind, thunder, and lightning. The mother bird, with breast feathers fluffed over the heads of her young and wings protectingly spread, braved the storm, pitting herself against the elements in evidence of selfless devotion. How strong the mother-love! How safe the little ones under the mother bird's brooding tenderness! This is a beautiful illustration of the presence of our Father-Mother God, in which His children are ever conscious of the strength of His tender love.

Mary Baker Eddy revealed this true idea of the motherhood of God. Jesus, who through his works and words showed mankind the way, taught his followers to say, "Our Father which art in heaven." Mrs. Eddy has given us the beautiful interpretation of these words (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 16) as, "Our Father-Mother God, all-harmonious."

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