Walking in High Places

Even though the fig trees are all destroyed, and there is neither blossom left nor fruit, and though the olive crops all fail, and the fields lie barren; even if the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be happy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my Strength, and he will give me the speed of a deer and bring me safely over the mountains. Habakkuk 3: 17-19 (TLB)

When Melinda Burleson Box, from Texas, first memorized today's scripture reading, she was not sure what it meant, "The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places" (Hab.3:19, KJV). What are "hinds' feet"? Melinda wondered. In what "high places" do they walk? Now Habakkuk's affirmation has become her own. Melinda has come to understand how the feet of a deer scaling rocky cliffs is an analogy for life.

Habakkuk struggled with failed crops, dying livestock, and an invading army of Babylonians. He cried out to God, yet he also vowed to wait patiently. Melinda's family has struggled with work - and family-related stress, surgeries and illnesses, and storm damage to their home. During those times, fear and doubt overwhelmed them. Yet scripture gave them peace and promised direction and hope for the future. It taught them how to wait on God.

Habakkuk's affirmation ends with rejoicing that God will enable him to keep going. God's word does that for us. The Bible enables us to view our struggles from God's perspective and to persevere.

Prayer: Steadfast God, thank you for the confidence scripture can inspire. Help us to listen to your word, in Jesus' name. Amen.