This is another hymn that has long been a favourite of mine. Many, many years ago I was engaged to a boy who broke our engagement shortly before the wedding. To say that I was devastated would be to put it mildly.

I can remember many nights being too upset to go to sleep. Then I remembered the verses that talk about being sheltered under the wings of God. I began to imagine how safe it would feel to hide under those wings. Soon my heart quieted and I was able to sleep.

Here is a list of the verses that speak about trusting in the shelter of God’s wings: Ruth 2:12; Psalm 17:8, 36:7, 57:1, 61:4, 63:7, 91:4.

The man who wrote this hymn – William O. Cushing – lost his wife after just sixteen years of marriage. He had been a preacher, but he retired from this ministry due to illness. He wanted to do something for the Lord’s work and through prayer realized he could write hymns. He went on to write 300 hymns.

Knowing this man lost his wife and was still able to trust the Lord makes this song all the more precious to me.

Under His wings I am safely abiding,
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me, and I am His child.

Refrain

Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.

Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.

Under His wings, oh, what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,
Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.