Psalm 91:4

He will cover you with His feathers,

    and under His wings you will find refuge;

    His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

          This photo is a perfect illustration of being "covered with feathers" and finding refuge under wings.  You can just imagine the security those baby birds are feeling!  But I would point out that the Scripture says "you will find" refuge.  Other translations say, "you may seek" refuge.  Either way, you will find refuge if you choose to seek it.  It is up to us!

     This verse also calls to mind another in Matthew 23:37 .... Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem.... How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling.  This analogy shows that protection IS available, if we are willing.  God willfully offers the protection; it is accessible.  And He is deeply committed to His desire to protect us.  "I wanted to gather your children together .... ".   His outstretched arms are open to us (represented by wings in this verse).  His protection is available but not automatic.

     We should also realize that He won't chase after us, begging us to take advantage of the protection He offers.  He says, "Protection is possible.  It's here if you want it.  You run to Me!"  And when we run to Him in our trust and faith, the Devil has to go through Him to get to us.

      And, so, in response to our faith, God's own faithfulness becomes our shield.  It is literally a safeguard between us and the Enemy.  He offers protection by providing us with shelter behind His promises.  That is our shield.  Note that Scripture also says He is our rampart.  A rampart is "a defensive wall of a castle or walled city, having a broad top with a walkway, and typically a stone parapet (a place of concealment)."  

     Here, God is pointing out that He will be faithful to you from a position that can point out the approach of the Enemy (picture the high point on that castle wall).  He will not leave us unguarded or unprotected.  This is an image of fortification against the Enemy.  Combine that with the personal shield of protection, and we should fear no Evil.  Why wouldn't we run to His protection?  It is freely given; all we have to do is choose it.