Psalm 91:1-5 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”  Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.  He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.  You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day.

In this Psalm, we find two metaphors to describe the way God protects us.  He is a mother bird, shielding her chicks with her own body.  And He is a strong fortress.

The use of the bird metaphor conjures up an image of a protective mother bird, extending her fragile wings to protect her young.  She shields them from the elements by sacrificing her own comfort.

The fortress, however, brings an image to mind of strength and invincibility.

Timothy Keller, in his devotional, “The Songs of Jesus,” points out how both of these images can be combined in God.  “It is on the cross where we see the absolute righteous power and the tender, sacrificial love of God combine and shine forth brilliantly, both equally fulfilled.’

Faithful Lord, who strengthens and protects me – keep my mind steadfastly committed and focused on You, so that I may trust and take refuge in you with hope and confident expectation.  (Isaiah 26:3, AMP)