Have you ever experienced a situation when you felt overwhelmed, and questioned how any good could come from it? I have. Many times. But as I look back on those seasons of my life, I see one constant that I may not have felt during each trial. God was with me. His promise to “cover you with His feathers, and shelter you with His wings” has truly been a reality in my life. He has covered me and sheltered me every time! And I am certain that there have been so many times that he has covered me and sheltered me from dangers that I was completely unaware of.

I love Psalm 91 and have found great comfort and hope from it often. It speaks of God’s protection and provision. But it begins with a factor that sets the stage for His protection:

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1

When we come into that secret place of intimate relationship with Him, we place ourselves under His protection. It is there, in His presence, that we find peace in the midst of the storm, hope in the midst of despair and joy in the midst of the trial.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience”.  James 1:2-3

“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

How on earth can we experience joy during trials? Only as we place our hope in God, knowing He will help us to overcome, and will work in that trial to produce patience and good fruit in our lives. When we focus on Him, we can choose joy.

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” 2 Corinthians 4:17

As we see ourselves from the perspective of eternity, and place our hope in Jesus, we will be able to recognize that our afflictions are light, and that they truly are working in us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory!

My watercolor painting, Owl with Blossoms, is a fun expression of this scripture and this truth:

“He will cover you with His feathers, and shelter you with His wings” Psalm 91: 4

May you experience his covering, shelter, protection and guidance as you navigate the trials and seasons of life!

Owl with Blossoms is available as Art Blocks, Matted Prints, Matted & Framed Prints, and Stretched Canvas Prints.