 |
| “God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.” (Psalm 18:32-33) |
On a beautiful, hot sunny day last month, my husband, son, and I headed to a nearby park to eat a picnic lunch, go for a scenic drive and take photos with my new camera.
The lush green rolling hills and the variety of tall trees took my breath away. The best part of the trip was getting to see the deer grazing peacefully along the roadside. We got up close and personal, and they didn’t flinch.
 |
| "A loving doe, a graceful deer ..." (Proverbs 5:19) |
For some reason, I love deer. They fascinate me. I believe they’re one of the Lord’s most elegant creatures on earth. They’re pretty. Graceful. Regal. Some, almost statuesque.
From the car window, I snapped several pictures, using my 200-mm zoom lens. Got great shots.
As I marveled at the pictures I took of the deer, I remembered God’s promises to us when we’re feeling weary and stressed because of life’s many challenges. We’re to ask Jesus for renewed physical and emotional strength whenever we need it, because He’s the only one who can give it to us. He promises to make us “as surefooted as a deer.” That means He won’t let us stumble or slip. Instead, He toughens us up and makes us confident — and competent. He promises to help us "stand on mountain heights." That means, we’re able to stand firmly or make progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trouble.
 |
| "I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills." (Habakkuk 3:18-19) |
What more can we ask for? Obviously, God knows something about deer that we don’t. Deer generally have lithe, compact bodies, but long, powerful legs, suited to walk, run and climb rugged woodland terrain. That's the kind of power we all need to navigate the sometimes rough terrain of our lives. The good news is that God can give us that power. And as long as we receive it from Him, we will be victorious!
Wonderful post. I love deer as well - very fascinating creatures and very fast as well!
ReplyDeleteJane
Beautiful photos, Judith. I always feel especially close to God when I'm outdoors among His creation.
ReplyDeleteThe verse from Habakkuk is one of my favorites.
Blessings,
Joan
Greetings -
ReplyDeleteYour photos of GOD's precious creatures ministered to me. It's as if the deer and your camera were one. The pictures speak "purpose." It's as if the deer collaborated with you. And you know what? they did - because we are all GOD's creatures and He has preemminence over all. Our Lord set the scene,- lights, camera, action!
The words blended so beautifully with the photos. A premier job, Ms. Judith!
Thank you so much Sandra. That really means a lot. I'm just amazed at how God speaks. And he keeps giving me more articles to write. I think if we just look for God in our everyday routines, we will see Him and He'll give us something to write about. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely heartwarming post. It is good to be reminded about the promises of God.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures!
I enjoyed the analogy and the description of God's strength in time of need. You write very well too I might add. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! There's more to come as the Lord continues to speak!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful and atractive photographs with nice article--it reflect your love with nature and animals.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes.
Hemant
Lovely pictures Judith and I agree, every day, everywhere we look, God speaks - if we're listening.
ReplyDeleteThank you for a heart-stirring post!
ReplyDeletei love deer, because they remind me of God & His word.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos and Bible verses! :-)
ReplyDelete~Ron
What a great post. I haven't been following your blog long but every time I pop in it speaks to me! We are very blessed here to live in a rural part of SE England and we get a lot of deer. I always seem to see them when I am in prayer or asking God about something, so it's like a sign - they mean a lot to me too. And someone gave me that Habbakkuk reference last week too!blessings.
ReplyDeleteredx
@Red ... thank you so much Red! I'm so glad that my blog posts are ministering to you. That is the main purpose of my blog, to inspire and encourage with the messages the Lord gives to me. Amazing that the Lord speaks to you through the deer as well. I love that passage in Habakkuk too. The Holy Spirit seems to have spoken to us both almost at the same time.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Judy