Providing Spiritual Covering

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

(Psalm 91:4, NIV)

““A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.””

(John 13:34–35, NIV)

A friend is putting up two structures. The last few days have been focused on installing tin roofing. The building frames are quite impressive on their own, but they are fairly useless until the roof goes on. Having a roof keeps the weather out, giving purpose to the building frame.

It made me think of the principle of spiritual coverings. Father God is our covering … at least if we choose to be under Him. There are many verses that speak to how He protects and cares for us, providing safety and security within the many challenges and emotions of life. Are we living under His covering and care, or do we focus on protecting ourselves? How can we further humble ourselves to be more fully in His care?

But a spiritual covering is not meant to only be received but also given. We are called to be a spiritual covering for others / to take spiritual responsibility for those God has placed around us. As parents, we work to do this for our children (and grandchildren - if we have them). As a church family, we work to provide spiritual care for one another. Who else has God given you spiritual influence over? It may be siblings, neighbours, or co-workers. It may be opportunities to care for those who are marginalized. To whom can we provide a spiritual covering - prayer but also personal care and engagement?

Let us care for others as we desire to be cared for. Let us care for others as God our Father cares for us.