Sunday, March 20, 2016

Under His Wings

"Under His Wings"
By: William Orcutt Cushing

 Under His wings I am safely abiding, tho 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. 
Under His wings, under His wings who from His love can sever? 
Under His wings my soul shall abide, safely abide forever. 

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Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow! How the heart yearningly turn to His rest! 
Often when earth has no balm for my healing, there I find comfort and there I am blest. 
Under His wings, under His wings who from His love can sever? 
Under His wings my soul shall abide, safely abide forever. 

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Under His wings, o 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. 
Under His wings, under His wings who from His love can sever? 
Under His wings my soul shall abide, safely abide for ever. 

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In the days following World War II, when Communists were overrunning China, the endangered missionaries found comfort knowing that in a world dominated by the "Iron Curtain" and the "Bamboo Curtain" they could rest under the "Feather Curatin" of God. 
Psalms 91:4 says, "He shall cover you with his feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." Boaz referred to Ruth as a woman who had come under the Lord's wings for refuge. (Ruth 2:12) David said, in Psalms 17:8, "Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings," And in Psalms 57:1, it says, "Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast."


All these comforting word-pictures were woven together in the hymn, "Under His Wings," written by Williams Orcutt Cushing, who was born into a Unitarian home in 1823. He labored for over twenty years as a Christian pastor in New York with the Disciples of Christ, but the death of his wife and sever problems with his voice forced him out of the pastorate. In near despair, he asked God to give him something to do for the kingdom. It came into his heart to begin writing hymns, and in subsequent years, he produced more than 300 hymns, including "Ring the Bells of Heaven," "When He Cometh," "Down in the Valley," and "Under His Wings." 
If you ever find yourself in near despair with the worries and fears of life, close your eyes and visualize the warm safety of the "Feather Curtain of God."

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. 

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I want to thank my daddy for suggesting this hymn. I hope you enjoyed reading this post. And I want to mention that my sister Lauren's birthday is today, so please wish her a happy birthday in the comments.  :)  
Have a joyful week! 
Safely abiding under His wings,
Ashley    

10 comments:

  1. Happy birthday, Lauren! :)
    Lovely hymn.
    How many siblings do you have, Ashley?

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  2. Lovely hymn, Ashley! I love those words, "Still I will trust Him..."

    And Happy Birthday Lauren! I remember when we met last year, how your smile lit up the room and spread the light of Jesus to all <3 I hope your day was wonderful!

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  3. Thank you all for the birthday wishes! I had a wonderful birthday.
    Love,
    Lauren

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  4. Beautiful, uplifting post. What a wonderful place to be, under the Wings of our Lord. Happy Birthday to Lauren, hope she had a great day.

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  5. Happy Birthday Lauren! Beautiful post, Ashley!

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  6. Happy Birthday to Lauren! I do trust God will bless you with many more happy birthdays surrounded by your family and loved ones! This is such a beautiful song, Ashley. I have never heard it, but I tell you, I really needed these words tonight. So thankful to know we are safe under the dear Lord's wings. How we need Him in these trying, troubled times! Many blessings to both of you dear girls and the rest of your family!

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  7. Thanks for sharing the story behind that hymn, Ashley! I'll definitely think of it next time I near 'Under His Wings' being played or sung.:)

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  8. Dearest Ashley...I wanted to stop by and thank you for your sweet comment on my blog a couple days ago...I am sorry it has taken me so long to do so...where has March gone?? {{smiles}}
    Is your older sister Sarah...? She mentioned she had a sister just younger than herself named Ashley, and I am pretty sure it is you!
    This is a truly beautiful, comforting hymn...I have never heard it being sung before...
    I hope your sister had a blessed birthday and that your Easter weekend has been blessed!
    With much love,
    Kelly-Anne

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    Replies
    1. Dear Kelly Anne,
      Yes, my older sister is Sarah...she is enjoying writing you.
      If you would like to listen to this hymn, visit this link.
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeHcf_EtZ6A
      Thank you so much for visiting...and commenting! :D
      Happy Easter!
      Love in Christ,
      Ashley

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