Like the Feet of a Deer

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. Habakkuk 3: 19

Being a lover of the outdoors and nature, I'm always thrilled when I read scripture. The Bible is rich with details about God's beautiful creation, and it's always exciting to dig deeper into the verses and reflect on them. In Habakkuk 3: 19 we are reminded that God makes our feet like the feet of a deer and enables us to go on the heights. When studying this passage, I learned that the deer referred to here is a female red deer called a hind. This deer is very surefooted. It's hind feet land precisely in the same spot where the front feet stepped. It can run across rocky mountainous terrain with gracefulness and agility. Its powerful legs allow it to ascend steep hills with ease and leap over obstacles in the way. It's able to run securely and not get off track.

Way too often we settle for the lower ground rather than the heights. Our legs and feet feel weak and weary. We become complacent in our spiritual walk, allowing the cares of life to creep in and lure us away to the land of mediocrity. We forget that we have the feet of a deer! We forget that God intended for us to have an abundant life brimming with His blessings! Rather than being surefooted, we stumble along on the pathway of life just going through the motions of daily living.

God has so much more for us than mediocrity and just going through the motions of life. If we have accepted Him as our Lord and Savior, we have everything we need to be surefooted. He is our strength. He enables us to leap across life's obstacles. He refreshes our weary souls and gives us rest. He fills us with peace in the midst of difficulties. Our hearts overflow with joy in His presence.

Are you ready to ascend to the high places? Then inhale deeply and breathe in the pristine air. Stop and smell the wildflowers on the journey. Bask in the beauty of nature. Life on the heights is breathtaking!