Psalms 55:6
And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.
Psalms 55:6
This verse gives a poignant, almost human wish: “And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.” The imagery of flight captures the impulse to escape pain rather than endure it. In the psalms, such longing is a common feature of lament, revealing a heart wrestling with the tension between ongoing danger and the longing for peace. The dove’s image also evokes purity and a quiet, unburdened place of rest, which stands in contrast to the turmoil described earlier.
The longing for rest reflects our longing for divine deliverance and rest in God. It invites contemplation of how ultimate peace comes not from avoidance but from God’s presence and rescue. Theologically, it prepares readers for the realization that endurance in faith often includes seasons of longing, while God’s timing brings release and restoration.
When weariness cries out for an escape, consider short, practical “rest” steps: a quiet walk, a short sabbath-like pause, or even a few moments of contemplation in nature. Use the dove imagery to remind yourself that peace comes not from fleeing reality but from God’s presence sustaining you through it. In moments of burnout, set a timer for a restorative pause, then return to the situation with renewed clarity and hope, trusting that God can provide rest in the midst of chaos.
Cross-References
- Psalm 4:8
- Matthew 6:25-34
- Isaiah 26:3
- Psalm 23:4
- Luke 12:22-31