Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. Gen 1:2
Hovering is a key skill for a certain breed of military aviators. Specifically, those who fly VSTOL, or STOVL aircraft. Basically, short or vertical take-off and landing planes. In the UK we call them the Harrier or Sea Harrier, in the US, the AV8. These crazy-clever planes have now been succeeded by the F35.
I find it astonishing that the second verse of the entire Bible calls our attention to this movement. For the pilots flying these aircraft, the skill is considered among the most tricky to master, a blend of thrust and weight management, not to mention serious motor skills. The capability allows the militiaries with these machines to operate in tight spaces and off ships, giving an increased reach.
A Big Night Out
When a pilot in the Royal Navy completes their first solo hover they mark the occasion most splendidly. I’m going to be vague on the format of that. Except to say my husband remembers it keenly and also can’t remember quite a few details of the evening. But it remains one of the accomplishments he’s most thrilled about (and he’s racked up a few).
Back to Genesis though. The hovering here keeps God’s spirit close to this new, unformed creation. I love this. Even though there was no life yet – no animals or birds, no sea for any marine life, and no humans – our Lord wanted to be close.
Other interpretations of the word imply fluttering, cherishing and fertilizing. Wow. I think this reveals the heart of God for our world. We see it in the majesty of the mountains, the intriciacy of the paintwork on a butterly, the eyes of a fox, the roar of a lion. His love is all encompassing.
The Challenge of a Hovering God
Despite the picture of love I think this closeness shows, God doesn’t force himself on us. He hovers, standing ready for when or if we call on Him. Unlike a STOVL aircraft, designed only for war, God doesn’t need us to be in crisis, He just needs to be invited. Whatever else you’re doing today can I suggest you ask God to hover over you, whether the sun is shining or the storm is raging? He’s been doing this since time began and is just waiting for the call.
I’m a military wife and mom to two teenage girls (oh, Lord, have mercy). I write contemporary romance and have written a Bible study for military wives. I love to play guitar, read and ski, and I bleed green and gold (go Pack go). Swing by when I’ve been baking – the kettle is always on ready alert.
If you’d like a great book on writing I helped with, here’s the link...
And you can find more Word on Wednesdays here…
I had never paid attention to that small detail. So beautiful to think of God hovering to be near us. Thank you Debb
Thatnks for stopping by, friend.
I love the imagery of God hovering near us, always ready if we call on Him. Thank you, Debb.
Thanks, Katherine.
Thank your for this nugget. I love finding gems like this in the Bible ,and I love your perspective on the word hovering. When I taught school, certain parents were known as hovering. Your post puts a positive spin on the idea of hovering. I’m glad my God is a hovering God.
Thanks for stopping by.
Love this!!!!!!!
What a beautiful picture of God’s love for us. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Sarah.
Debb, this is wonderful. Thank you. When we let Him hover, we don’t have to go through anything alone.
Amen to that.