It is hard to believe we are married 36 years. I can well remember the emotions of young love which anticipated the time we would spend together.

But there is something to be said about a love which has grown old. Not stale. Old.

He still opens doors, puts me on the inside when walking, holds my hand, and puts his arm around my shoulders to draw me close. He’s quite the gentleman much to the credit of my father-in-law, as he raised each of his sons to be so.

Each gesture reinforces not only my husband’s love for me but his protection. He seeks to keep me safe. And trust me, safety is huge with me as I startle and scare quite easily.

Boaz had to be a gentleman as well. Once Ruth caught his attention, he stepped up to the plate to offer her both protection and provision as he offered his fields for her to work. But he also acknowledged the source of her safety:

“May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” (Ruth 2:12, NLT)

Much the way a mama bird will protect its young by spreading her wings and pulling them all under, Boaz recognized that God would protect Ruth. And so God offers us all this same protection …

“He [God] will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” (Psalm 91: 4, NLT)

It is in His faithful promises, found in Scripture, that we will find our hope and safety. But there is a condition …

“If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.” (Psalm 91: 9, NLT)

Much the way Ruth had the choice to stay in the fields belonging to Boaz, we, too, have a choice to make. We must draw close, making Him our dwelling place.

Whether we are single, married, divorced, or widowed, God will be our protection. The imagery is strong but nothing can match the safety and security of knowing we are safe with our God. He is our protection from the storms of life, every danger, and from falsehoods which may rise up against us.

“For your Creator will be your husband; the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is his name! He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the God of all the earth.” (Isaiah 54:5, NLT)

It is under His wings that we find refuge.

Today I am joining … Three Word Wednesday and Tell His Story and Wedded Wednesday and Women With Intention and Coffee for Your Heart .