Nestled
Under the Weight of Glory
Last week, I saw a reel on Instagram that caught my attention. Now, I’m not a big social media person, but I do enjoy animal videos such as the funny cats springing up in fear or anything showcasing cute or unusual animal behavior.
The reel in motion caught a mother swan floating along, tall white feathers tented above her brood of babies (which Mr. Google explained went by the name “cygnets” from the Latin word “cygnus” meaning swan). In the brief reel, it was raining, and she was protecting them with her feathery hood. They looked content and protected riding along inside her makeshift cove. (If you’d like to see that, there is a link to the video here.)
The word “nestled” came to mind. These cygnets sat quietly, securely “nestled” in the care and protection of a parent.
The image captivated my heart and reminded me of the scripture that tells us God covers us with his feathers in Psalm 91:4.
I am a visual learner and person. I’ve often imagined myself with God’s feathery wings wrapped around my body or creating hooded protection over my head as I walk into the storms of life. Seeing how he made the mama swan to showcase this image for us gave me an appreciative smile.
A few days later, while surfing my FB page, I realized the algorithm that runs social media for once worked greatly in my favor. I viewed video after video of feathery mamas protecting even cuter babies. Birds, hawks, even owls (another link!) wrap their wings of safety around their tiny offspring, providing shelter against the elements and protection from predators.
Again, being “nestled” in the warmth and safety of our heavenly Father came to mind. And I realized I’d been missing some of that during a hectic week. I hadn’t been connecting for long in any intentional quiet space with God.
The next morning, I determined to get back into my prayer habit first before diving into various tasks. I hit my knees for my favorite prayer position (head on a chair).
“God, I’m sorry I get so busy that I rush into my projects before seeking you first. You know how I struggle with that! I really intend to be here, yet so often get sidetracked and don’t get it done.” I lamented my human nature like Paul does in Romans 7:19, admitting I do the things I don’t want to do, and don’t do the things I desire to do. Then I made time to listen. The silence felt peaceful, calming, stilling my mind and heart.
I felt God’s presence descend across my bowed body just like a weighted blanket might feel (I don’t own one myself so can only imagine). It felt heavy, protective, and soothing. The word “nestled” appeared again, along with all the visuals from the reels I’d recently viewed. (Just another reminder that what we put into our minds from TV and social media tends to stick!)
It felt wonderful to feel “covered” and “protected” in His glorious presence like this. Why in the world would I not seek this daily? Why must I still battle my own heart and flesh taking off on its own direction when I know spending time with God is essential for me?
It's a real conundrum down here on the earth--living as a new person in Christ, yet acknowledging our human nature remains in play. I long to be single-heartedly devoted to Christ minus all the excess straying. Yet we won’t be perfect at this until heaven. The Bible says the whole earth groans with the knowledge of awaiting our perfect redemption (Romans 8:22), so while on this earth, we continue to battle.
But God doesn’t waste anything. I assume the battle with our selfish flesh strengthens us—a training ground for living eternally with an Almighty, holy God. When I think of it that way, I remember that the sooner God pinpoints issues and I can see and understand them myself, the quicker he can help me make necessary changes. So, for that I am thankful.
Meanwhile, I cling inwardly to that feeling of being “nestled” in the weight from a glorious God draped around me like a feathery blanket. A security blanket I hope I won’t soon drop.
How about you? Do you have a daily struggle to connect with God? How have you felt the weight of his glory when you do?
I love that we were writing on this topic at the same time! But in different ways. Thanks for sharing, so glad that He met you there!