An Image from Psalm 18

This morning, I find myself so happy about the image in Psalm 18 about our feet being like the feet of the deer that stand on the heights. David writes:

As for God, his way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    he shields all who take refuge in him.
31 For who is God besides the Lord?
    And who is the Rock except our God?
32 It is God who arms me with strength
    and keeps my way secure.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
    he causes me to stand on the heights.
34 He trains my hands for battle;
    my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You make your saving help my shield,
    and your right hand sustains me;
    your help has made me great.
36 You provide a broad path for my feet,
    so that my ankles do not give way.

I’ve seen the little mountain deer that stand in impossible places: tiny crags, vertical cliffs, and rocky paths. I don’t know how they stand so firmly in such treacherous and unstable conditions. I wonder if that’s what David meant. I wonder if he looked up to the hills and saw those deer that stand on the heights of mountains and can walk steadily on any path. With God’s help, we journey safely and peacefully. He gives us strength and makes our way secure, no matter how blocked and dangerous it may seem now.

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