Restoration in the Shadow of His Wings
- Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
“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
Lingering Loss: Navigating Life Without a Mother's Guidance
The ache of losing my mother has never fully left me. Even four years later, I still find myself reaching for the phone to call her. It happens in the simplest moments—when I want to ask her about a family recipe, how to handle a situation with my children, or even the best way to plant flowers. She had a green thumb, a gift I never inherited, and I often long for her wisdom in the everyday details of life.
The Ripple Effect of Loss and the Promise of Divine Comfort
What makes the grief heavier is the ripple effect her absence has had on my family. Her passing didn’t just leave a void in my heart; it shifted dynamics, caused tension, and exposed cracks that she once held together with her steady presence and love. At times, it feels as though her death shattered something in us that can never be put back together. And yet, God has been faithful. In the quietest moments of pain, He has carried me. In the loneliest seasons, He has reminded me of His nearness. Psalm 91:1 says, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (NIV). That promise of rest has become my anchor. I may no longer hear my mother’s voice, but I hear God’s whisper calling me to abide in Him.
There have been countless times when I thought the grief might swallow me whole. But God has shown me that His restoration is not about erasing the pain—it’s about redeeming it. He has grown me in ways I never could have imagined. He’s taught me to lean on Him more than on my own understanding. He’s reminded me that the relationships and comforts of this life, though beautiful, are temporary. The only thing that truly matters is staying close to Him so that one day I will spend eternity not only with my Savior, but also with those I love who have gone before me.
Finding Refuge and Restoration Under Divine Protection
Psalm 91:4 assures us, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” That is what restoration feels like. Not the undoing of loss, but the covering of His love, the healing of His presence, and the strengthening of our hope in eternity.
I still miss my mother deeply. That longing never fully fades. But because of God’s goodness, I can face each day with hope. He restores my heart, renews my strength, and reminds me that this story is not over. One day, all will be made new.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for being my refuge and my strength. When grief overwhelms me, remind me that You are near. Restore my heart and my family with Your healing love. Help me to live each day with eternity in view, drawing closer to You and trusting in Your faithfulness. Amen.
Your Turn:
Have you ever reached for the phone to call a loved one who has passed?
In what ways has God restored your heart in seasons of loss?
How can Psalm 91 bring you comfort today?
Yes, I actually reached for the phone to call my foster/adoptive mother about her funeral. Three people died in our home, her- my father in law and my husband. I also lost a baby daughter in 1964. My first. Death is certainly no stranger here.
Katherine,
I have reached for the phone to call my best friend who died seven years ago. Thank you for sharing how to navigate the death of a loved one.