Take Cover

He was sitting in the corner chair.  It is often a favorite, tucked away in the corner of a large hospital treatment room.  It was his first treatment, chemotherapy to be exact.  He had every reason to be nervous, anxious and yet he was jolly, peaceful, and calm.  Once all the formalities were completed, I gave him medication and encouraged him to settle in, get comfortable.  He agreed and after lying back in his recliner and elevating his feet, he said these words. "Could I have a little cover? A sheet maybe.  It is not because I am cold on this 75 degree day but because it is comforting.  It might feel good to rest under a cover."

Raise your hand if you too like to rest with a soft cover over your lap, your legs?  Me too!  Even on a summer night, you might find me with legs curled up under a light blanket.  He's right! It does provide comfort.

What about a different kind of cover?  Have you ever had to take cover during a storm? Truly take cover.  We were at an amusement park for 3 days of concerts when we HAD to take cover.  My husband and I were responsible for a group of 30 teens when the storm suddenly hit the amusement park.  Where were we?  Right in the middle of concrete and metal, reclining on a grassy hill ready to enjoy a favorite artist.  Suddenly the winds quickened, the skies darkened and lightening flashed.  "Run! Take cover!" The words came from our mouths as we counted each teen, assuring their safety under a large pavilion.  In the moment, the pavilion was our cover.  Being together safely was our cover.

Since this kind man spoke words of resting under a cover, I have not stopped thinking about the cover available to us in this hectic, draining, sinful world.  Psalm 91: 4 says,

 "He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge."

Under His wings there is refuge. Refuge: safety, shelter from pursuit, danger or trouble.  Doesn't it sound amazingly comforting to know we can take cover, refuge under the wings of the Maker of the Earth?  The One who created us.  The Alpha and Omega.  He is there, providing cover. We need only to seek Him.  

So if life feels a little heavy and you are craving a little cover, run into His arms. Rest in His lap and under His wings. There you will find refuge.