The Nest by Lisa Burkhardt Worley

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Matthew 6:26–27

There’s a mama bird who built a nest above our backyard pergola and is sitting patiently on her eggs. I have watched her with amazement, entranced with how still she is as she prepares for the birth of her chicks. As far as I can tell, she never leaves the nest. It is my understanding that she relies on the male bird to bring her food as she remains in her perch.

A female bird will sit on her eggs for fourteen days before they hatch. As one reflects on this phenomenon, we can ask the questions, “What if those of us who desire something new would be still before the LORD for more than just an hour in the morning?” “What if we put everything aside for a couple of weeks and sit still in God’s presence like a mama bird, waiting for him to feed us spiritually and provide a different direction?”

We can learn from God’s creation.

In Matthew 6:26–27 Jesus teaches the disciples that God takes care of the birds, but he cares even more about us. Jesus then asks them, “Are you not much more valuable than they?” We are all valuable and precious in God’s sight. He considers us his children, and when we are still in his presence our loving Abba Father showers us with beautiful gifts. There is joy (Psalm 16:11), goodness (Psalm 31:19), love (1 John 4:16), renewal (Psalm 51:10), and truth (Psalm 43:3).

For those of us at a crossroad, there is no better place to dwell than the courts of God. Like a mama bird waiting in her nest for new birth, we can receive new direction when we carve out time to be still and alone with the LORD.

How often do you take a lengthy amount of time to sit quietly in God’s presence?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your creation. I pray that I will increase my time with you, so I receive your counsel and the many gifts you offer in your presence.