Wings from Weights

There is a beautiful stained glass window in the historic Wesley’s Chapel in London, inscribed with these words: “If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.”

People have always wanted wings—a way to be lifted above their earthbound lives and troubles. It seems to be human nature to feel confined and discontented with “here.” Things surely must be easier, brighter, better, freer “there,” just over the next hill.

There’s another verse where the Psalmist echoes the get-me-away-from-it-all sentiment. He says, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.” But he also knew the secret to finding that wonderful place away from it all, and he shared that secret with us: “The Lord sustained me.”

God sustained David through all his difficulties and tests, and He transformed his weights into wings. “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” When we turn to God’s Word and wait in prayer until God touches our soul, we mount up to realms of peace and rest and are truly “sustained by the Lord.”

This old world daily strives to pull us down, but there is an upward pull that will lift us to the very heart of God. If you read God’s Word, share your heart with Him, and wait for Him to speak to you, you will find all the strength you need. But many people try to run on their own strength, hoping that they will somehow surmount their difficulties that way. They put the feet before the wings. But read that verse again. The running and walking come after the renewing. What chance does your soul have if you never take those moments to connect with God and draw strength from Him? “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart.”

—

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV – So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Philippians 4:12-13 ESV – I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Psalm 34:19 ESV – Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.