This morning on the way to work there was a cluster of young deer by the road side. As I slowed down the group moved back away from the edge … for which I was grateful. As I drove on, I was reminded how God uses descriptions of deer in the scriptures … deer seek after water … they are surefooted and quick.
The Psalmist writes …
As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
My tears have been my food day and night,
while men say to me all day long,
“Where is your God?
These things I remember as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go with the multitude,
leading the procession to the house of God,
with shouts of joy and thanksgiving
among the festive throng.
And the prophet Habakkuk pens these words …
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
able to tread upon the heights.
I love how God uses the simple pleasures of nature … sighting of deer along the road … to encourage my heart to focus on him!