Voiceless Praise: Under His Wings and the Story Behind It

When hymn writer William Cushing was just a teenager, he decided to read the Bible for himself and became a follower of Christ.

He soon entered the ministry and preached for 27 years until, at the age of 50, he lost his voice due to paralysis of his vocal cords.

William earnestly prayed for something else to do for the Lord and soon discovered he had a gift for writing hymns.

Over the years, he wrote more than 300 hymns including “Under His Wings”, written 25 years after he lost his voice and inspired by Psalm 17:8, “Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me under the shadow of Your wings.”

Under His Wings

by William Cushing, 1823-1902

Under His wings I am safely abiding.
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me.
He has redeemed me, and I am His child.

Refrain:
Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.

Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort, and there I am blest. 

Under His wings, O what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me.
Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.