February 5
Exodus 15-16
Psalm 18:30-36
Proverbs 4:7-9
Matthew 23:1-22
Hinds’ Feet
“The word of Yahweh is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. For who is God, but Yahweh? And who is a rock, except our God? The God who girds me with strength and makes my way blameless. He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and sets me upon high places. He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand upholds me; and Your gentleness makes me great. You enlarge my steps under me, and my ankles have not given way.” Psalm 18:30-36 LSB
Psalm 18 was written after God delivered David from Saul, who was trying to kill him. Throughout the Psalm, he uses different imagery to explain how God empowered him in his victories against his enemies. It is a Psalm of praise acknowledging that it was God and God alone that preserved his life and brought him through to victory. In today’s passage, David declares that it was God who gave him strength and guidance to navigate difficult situations. He uses the image of a hind, or female deer. A hind is sure-footed, agile and can climb sheer rocky cliffs without stumbling or falling. The deer can place her back feet exactly where her front feet were, giving her sturdy footrests to allow her to ascend what appears to be impassable terrain with ease and grace. She is unafraid and undeterred from her destination.
“He sets me upon high places” provides the image of living above our circumstances. God gives us the strength and courage to press on toward our goal no matter what situation we are facing. If we keep our eyes on Him, and trust in His faithfulness, He will prepare us for anything we may have to deal with. He will uphold us and we will have an inner strength that will keep us from becoming discouraged and overwhelmed. He is our solid rock and He shields us from harm. His shield of protection gives us peace and resolve. By relying on God’s promises as our firm foundation, we can move forward in confidence and faith knowing that God goes before us preparing the way. He is enlarging the way before us to provide a path that is safe and sure. He also walks beside us getting us ready for what is ahead. He keeps our feet and ankles strong so they don’t give way and trains us for the battles He knows we will have to face. He never leaves our side to lead and guide us on the path He has marked out for us. And He is following behind us to guard against unseen dangers that may be lurking in the shadows. He sees all and knows all and can protect us from every danger. “For who is God, but Yahweh?” There is no other. Like David we can trust Him to give us hind’s feet.
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