Strong and Courageous

I think I’m strong and courageous.
     I think I’m bold and capable.
          I think I’m smart and clever.
               But really,
                    I’m young and immature.
          I shiver with fear and shake with dread.
                    When the wind howls and the lightning flashes,
                              I cringe and cower.

The enemy confronts, surrounding me with fear and accusation.
     Swooping,
          Swirling,
               Whispering,
     “You are ugly. You are worthless; good for nothing. A failure.
     You will never amount to anything. You should just quit and die!”

Running for cover, I hide in a Shadow.
     Behind me I hear
          a rustling of feathers,
               a strong and steady heartbeat,
                    and warmth penetrates my fear.
                         Strength returns.
                              Courage is restored.

I rebuke the Accuser; he melts away into the gloom of twilight,
     For I am standing under
          The Wing of Protection.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty…He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge.” Psalm 91:1,4a NASB 1995

~ Peggy Lundy, writer
~ Laura Strack, artist