Articles
Deer!
Whether you are a hunter or the spouse of a hunter this time of year means one thing,
Deer season. A lot of time can go into hunting and preparing to hunt. If you are a hunter, one of
the most important things to figure out is where to hunt. We look for clues that help us set up
stands and blinds in just the right places. We know that deer always need water and food. A
hunter may know where every white oak, persimmon, and old apple tree are located on the
property, but still not know where the dishes go when it’s time to unload the dishwasher!
There are two lessons we can learn from deer in the Bible. First, we should long (desire)
to be with God and learn from him. We even sing songs based on this familiar verse, “As a deer
pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the
living God. When shall I come and appear before God” (Psalm 42:1-2)? When a deer is
determined, it is hard to keep them out. If you have ever had deer in your garden or your favorite
flower beds you know how tenacious they can be. Does your mind dwell on God and His word?
Do you really want to go to heaven, or are we distracted by the cares of this world?
The second way the Bible uses deer as an example is that of an animal which is sure
footed and secure. The writers in the Old Testament knew that God was protecting them even
when the world around them was falling to pieces. “God, the Lord, is my strength; He makes my
feet like the deer's; He makes me tread on my high places” (Habakkuk 3:19). “The God who
equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer
and set me secure on the heights” (Psalm 18:32-33). “He made my feet like the feet of a deer
and set me secure on the heights” (2 Samuel 22:34).
As a Christian, I should feel secure in the knowledge that God will take care of my soul,
and that I have eternal life with him (1 John 5:13). ~B. Tolbert
