I’m a teenager of the 80s. And since I love the music of the 80s, I thought I’d use some of the great songs of the decade for devotional inspiration. Raise your hand if you know God can speak in a whole lot of ways, through a whole lot of different avenues (even a donkey). So, can we make a deal? You take these devotionals in the light-hearted spirit of fun with which I mean them, and I promise I won’t share anything that would lead you down the road to moral bankruptcy. I’ve got a whole list for this series that I’ll be sharing over time, so if you like it…there’s more coming!
This morning in my devotional time, I kept coming across the idea of wings and flying. I thought about the great old hymn, “I’ll Fly Away,” which was always so fun to sing, especially if you added that syncopated hand-clapping, foot-stomping action to it. I thought about some Bible verses that speak of wings and flying. And somewhere in that whole process I thought of this song. I decided the time was right to launch the series, so enjoy the first submission of I <3 the 80s.
Take these broken wings
And learn to fly again
Learn to live so free
When we hear the voices sing
The book of love will open up and let us in
Birds are made to fly, and every bird has specially designed wings to enable him to do what he was made to do. Some flit about quickly, some soar high on hot thermals, some glide over water, etc. When something happens to a bird’s wings to prevent it from flying, it’s unnatural. It goes against the purpose that bird was created for. One veterinarian on wikiHow actually called it traumatizing for the bird and said it could even be deadly for a bird who needed to escape danger.
In this difficult world we live in, we’ve all experienced a broken wing in some way or another, in some season or another. I think of a broken wing as something that’s happened as a result of an accident, an injury, or negligence. That could be experienced as negative consequences for bad choices you’ve made yourself or because of someone else’s bad choices that has caused you hurt or harm. It’s an experience of woundedness that hinders our ability to function as we’ve been created to function…freedom to fly high.
Many of us have also had the bitter experience of having our wings clipped as well. To clip a bird’s wings is sometimes done intentionally to prevent it from flying, usually on domesticated birds as a measure of protection to keep them from flying into walls, mirrors, ceiling fans, doors, or out the window. It is a debated practice, but when done correctly, is the human equivalent of cutting your hair or your fingernails. Metaphorically speaking, if someone clips your wings, it means they have hindered you on purpose by limiting you in some way. Farlex Dictionary of Idioms defines it as, “to restrict one's freedom, power, or full potential.” These kinds of experiences are downright frustrating, sometimes to the point of intense anger.
While I don’t believe God would ever break our wings on purpose, I do believe He may sometimes clip our wings if we might need reigning in, training, or discipline. Since He is the Good Father, it would always be for our protection and for our good, even though it may not feel like it. Here are some things that I definitely do know.
He offers shelter, safety, and refuge under his strong, loving wings.
Psalm 91:4 (NLT) - He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Psalm 17:8 (ESV) - Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,
Psalm 36:7 (TPT) - O God, how extravagant is your cherishing love! All mankind can find a hiding place under the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 57:1 (NIV) - Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.
Psalm 61:4 (NLT) - Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!
Psalm 63:7 (ESV) - For you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
He offers healing in his wings which brings joy and freedom.
Malachi 4:2 (NLT) - But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.
He offers renewed strength and ability to soar like the eagle.
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) – But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Here’s the thing. You have a choice whether or not to take him up on his offer.
Luke 13:34 (ESV) – [Jesus said,] O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!
Give God your broken, clipped wings. Seek shelter under his strong, capable wings. He’ll give you protection, healing, freedom, joy, and renewed strength. You were made to soar, with broken wings no more!
Take these broken wings
And learn to fly again
Learn to live so free
When we hear the voices sing
The book of love will open up and let us in
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