Day 22 Hind's Feet on High Places

 1/22/2025

Habakkuk 3:19

The Lord God is my strength, and He shall make my feet

like hinds' feet, and He will make me walk

upon mine high places.

Hannah Hurnard wrote a little book called, Hind's Feet on High Places, about a young shepherdess named Much Afraid, who, as her name suggests, was troubled with fear. The story is about her escape from the Fearing Family and her physical and spiritual transformation reflected in her name change. Her journey is under the guidance of the Good Shepherd who helps her face and overcome her fear. It's really a delightful book, and one I've read many times. Much Afraid's story is representative to ours as we grow up in our Christian faith and learn to walk in God's wisdom and grace, transformed into His character and the image of Christ. Jesus is our Good Shepherd, and He watches over us as He leads us beside the still waters, teaches us to lie in green pastures, and renews our souls.  

I find great comfort in reading the words of David in the Psalms, and the words of Jesus in the parables. When I feel a need to sit in God's lap and escape the emotions of my day, I find the words of scripture calming. Other times I will turn on the series The Chosen so I can imagine how Jesus felt, how He dealt with others, and of His relationship with His Father. Although it is a television series, Dallas Jenkins has gone to great lengths to hold forums with clergy from the different faiths, Christian, Jewish, and Catholic to make certain the script is Biblically sound. There has been much criticism about the authenticity of the series, but I still find strength and a clearer understanding of how things could have been in Bible times. Why is it that Christians have to scrutinize everything even to the point of skepticism and accusations, warning anyone who finds the message acceptable to stop watching it. 

Sadly, there will always be those who find something wrong with everything we do, say, or feel. There are always those who will criticize and cast doubt, especially on things that are "religious" in nature. We live in a very negative world, and much of it is because of the influence of the church. This should not be, as we should be examples of righteousness, plantings of the Lord, as the scriptures say. We fail so miserably, then wonder what has happened to our nation and world. The answer is simple, we have lost our first love. 

It is time to return to the Lord as the Author and Finisher of our faith. Seeking Him daily, giving first place to the study of His word, sitting at His feet listening and learning, and praying. Andrew Murray puts it this way:

"I beseech you, do not think little of the grace that you have 

a holy God who longs to make you holy. Do not think little of the voice of God 

which calls you to give time to Him in the stillness of the inner chamber, 

so that He may cause His holiness to rest upon you."

or E.M. Bounds:

"We can never expect to grow in the likeness of our LORD

unless we follow His example and give more time

to communication with the Father."

Imagine who we could be and how we might influence a hurting, fearful world if we follow the practice of our Shepherd King who gave everything to give us everything - life!