Safe and Secure

You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. Job 11:18 (NIV)

Cute and adorable little kits grow up to be the sly foxes we often hear about. Michael and I have recently inherited four happy, egg-laying chickens. The trail cam shows lots of fox and bear activity. Ask me in a few months how this is going. Tracy Crump (All God’s Creatures) shares some insight she has gleaned from country living.

*******

One evening as I stood outside watering flowers, I spotted a red fox creep from the woods up the road from me. I watched, transfixed, as she took cautious steps and raised her head to sniff. Then she gave a sharp bark and ran across to investigate a neighbor’s yard. Seconds later, two pups tumbled onto the road and chased each other in joyous abandon. After several minutes of play, they heard the vixen signal again and ran after her, off on another adventure, secure in their mother’s protection.

While my parents were alive, I knew they would do anything to protect me. They’re both gone now, but I will always have a Father in heaven who watches over me, who gives me hope no matter the situation. That assurance, knowing that I am under God’s vigilant eye, gives me a sense of security like nothing else can do. Sometimes I wonder how many times God’s hand has shielded me from harm without my knowing it.

Yet worries and fears still manage to creep in. What to do? Searching Scripture for verses on God’s protection helps calm my anxieties. So, too, does praying for God’s peace and resting in His quiet presence. Both put me right where He wants me, relying on Him.

I loved watching the protective instincts of that little mama fox as she safeguarded her babies. The kits were unaware if all she did to protect them, yet abiding in her shadow, they rightly showed no fear because mama watched over them. Trusting God to defend me, I can also move forward with confidence to accomplish the tasks He has assigned, safe and secure in His care.

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

Heavenly Father, thank You for all the life-lessons You teach us through nature. They are just pure, instinctual creatures and yet they teach us to dive deep. Help us to trust You more and more. AMEN.

Photo: Michael Johnston