Do you believe, way down deep in your heart, honestly now, that being a Christian should guarantee or at least give access to, a trouble-free, easy life? When you look at your troubles and sufferings, do you wonder why God allows you, His beloved child, to go through them? Has He not promised at least a bit of ease and comfort?

Well, comfort yes, ease no. The comfort is found in the shadow of His wings. In Psalm 57, David cried out to God for mercy, since his soul was in the midst of lions and fiery beasts. (Sounds pretty bleak to me.) We too cry for mercy when we struggle: "God help me!" But David goes a step further than merely crying for mercy. He takes refuge. Where? In a cave, hiding from Saul's men, but more crucially, in the shadow of God's wings. Both dark places, to be sure. But one a safe place, a refuge for his very soul.

In the dark times and always, God has us covered, protected from the worst of the storm. We are not alone. Our hearts can be steadfast. (Repeat that statement as needed for maximum comfort.) We are sheltered.