Light as a Feather

Recently, I discovered there is a new fad in the bedding market that is quite popular. It is known as the weighted blanket. When I read the label, I laughed and thought this would have been a great thought when I was writing the devotion on rest. The info on the packaging says that using the blanket may help with calmness and offer a person a sense of security that can promote rest and tranquility. I am sure there are elements of truth in this marketing message because my Tennessee grandmother used this scientific data before she knew it was data. Because her home had a gas stove in the living room (converted from coal), the bedrooms could get quite cold at night. She would layer quilts over us to keep us warm and stop when they were piled and heavy enough to barely turn over underneath the handmade quilted weight. I still remember the warmth and the security of that childhood feather bed where we teased our grandmother that she might smother us with her love. So despite my distaste of fads, I have to confess that I believe in the weighted blanket.

The psalmist states that the Lord will cover us with His feathers. How ironic that God shields us with His security and offers us warmth and refuge but covers us with the “unweighted blanket” of His feathers. This cover surpasses even the safety of my grandmothers’ bed with her weighted quilts. Up until now, I hadn’t given the feathers of God much thought. What I know about feathers could be well contained on the end of a feather itself. From history, I knew that feathers were a sign of wealth from a fashion perspective, often appearing on hats or accessories. In Native American culture, feathers were and still are a symbol of honor and strength, especially the feather of an Eagle. How the Creator designed the feathers of a bird’s plumage enables them to fly and protect themselves from rain and wind. In my communion with the Father, He often uses these natural elements He has already placed in divine order to teach and give me a spiritual perspective of His love and care for me.

It brings me such peace to think He has covered me with His feathers. Under His wing is a place of honor, security, and a place of wealth of provision and peace. I am shielded from the rains of this life and the winds of turmoil. Though it doesn’t mean I won’t get wet, His feathers enable me to “dry ” quickly because of their lightness. Of course, I will face sorrow and pain, but under His feathered wing, I am in a place of recovery. I believe it won’t be until I reach heaven where I will fully understand when it is revealed how many times God has concealed me under his wing, hiding me from the enemy with those light feathers that protect but don’t confine me. They are light enough to allow me to grow into all the potential He has placed within me. Yet shield me from the dangers of sin if only I would choose to obey. I believe this truth is revealed in Matthew 11 28-30, when Jesus calls us to “Come to me”… where He offers rest, along with an easy yoke and burden that is light. The translation in The Message says it like this, “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace; I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me, and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Once again, there is that promise of protection along with the lightness if we would seize His invitation. I liken it to the New Testament version of the “unweighted blanket.” Jesus offers and delivers such a sense of security in relationship with Him. It brings warmth, security, protection, a sense of wellbeing while inviting my free will and choice to align with His purpose for me. I feel sorry for all who are burned out on religion and legalism. People who believe a life with God and living by faith is just about rules. I have first-hand experience with that. But my personal relationship with Christ is not about confinement but commitment. The covenant of the cross has restored my place back under the Father’s Feathers for all my days upon this earth. David in Psalm 17 proclaims, “Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of your wings.” The shepherd king understood where his shelter was. My sense of peace must integrate this perspective into daily living.

Lord, I thank you for this precious place under your wing, protected by your light feathers where I can see out, but the enemy can’t see in. It is a place where light filters in, but darkness can’t hide. Help me remember I am safe and shielded in this “unweighted” refuge surrounded by your love and care. I thank you. In your nest, there are no ugly ducklings but rather the potential for the beauty of the swan and the strength of the eagle.

Join me next time where the 5 o’clock worker meditates on “The Great Escape” from the series of “The Psalm of the Season.”