How Precious Is Your Lovingkindness, O God!

Psalm 36:7, KJV reads:

How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

This verse offers a profound message of comfort and trust in God's protection and lovingkindness. Many believers find solace and assurance in this promise, drawn from personal experiences and theological understandings. This article delves into various perspectives on this verse, exploring both belief and doubt, and the significance of this biblical passage.

Belief in God’s Assurance

John David Banks, a minister, shares his experience of finding refuge under God’s wings. He notes, 'God is always trying to draw each one of us back into a relationship with Him.' This inclusive message reflects God's unyielding love, even in the face of personal struggles. Banks narrates a heartwrenching journey when his son was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA), a condition that can cause blindness, organ damage, and overall deterioration. Despite the overwhelming odds, Banks found comfort in the verse, symbolizing shelter from life's storms.

The Metaphor of God’s Wings

Some interpretations of Psalm 36:7 see the 'shadow of thy wings' as a metaphor rather than a literal description. This reinterpretation aligns with other scriptures where 'wings' are used figuratively. For instance, Deuteronomy 32:11 compares God to an eagle protecting its young. In this context, the 'wings' represent God's care and protection.

Historical and Theological Context

The metaphor of God's wings has deep historical and theological roots. It evokes imagery from the Exodus, where God guided Israel with a pillar of cloud. This representation of divine presence and protection provides a historical foundation for the metaphor.

Trusting God's Assurance in Suffering

Banks emphasizes that this trust is especially crucial during times of suffering. His personal journey during his son's diagnosis illustrates the importance of seeking shelter in God's wings:

Each day I was tempted to doubt, to fear, to run away, but with each temptation, the One who loves me made a way of escape. As I continually chose to take refuge in Him, He led me beside still waters.

This excerpt highlights the dynamic between faith and suffering. It shows how personal faith can navigate through life's challenges and finds strength in God's promises.

Examples of Scriptural References

Other verses support the metaphor of God's wings, such as Psalm 17:8, which contains the same phrase: 'As with a warrior, O Lord, with a warrior’s club thou dost crush the enemy.' This further reinforces the imagery of divine protection and strength.

Conclusion

Banks's personal narrative underscores the enduring faith and trust in God's lovingkindness. The metaphor of God's wings, whether taken literally or figuratively, conveys a powerful message of protection, comfort, and hope.

Whether derived from the KJV or other translations, Psalm 36:7 serves as a poignant reminder of God's unwavering love and protection. It invites believers to trust in His promises, even in the darkest of times.