The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. ~ Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV)
Habakkuk’s analogy is intriguing. It’s intriguing because deer can really move. Some free running whitetail deer have been clocked at almost 40 mph. It is also estimated that some of them can jump as high as 12 to 15 feet or as far as 25 to 30 feet! It’s no wonder that deer are described as “agile,” “strong,” and “graceful.”
These are fitting descriptions for you as well. When you look down at your feet, do they remind you of the feet of deer? It’s okay if you can’t set a world speed record or jump tremendous heights or distances with your feet. But you should see feet that live and move and climb heights with the strength that the Sovereign LORD gives. You should see feet that are fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15). You should see feet that traverse through this life with the grace of God’s undeserved love which he has given you in Christ Jesus!
These are truths to remember when your feet don’t feel so strong, when your heart doesn’t feel so full of grace, or when you are staring up at the heights of challenges and struggles before you.
Interestingly, although deer can jump 12 to 15 feet, they often won’t jump over a barrier that’s half that height. The barrier seems too much.
Habakkuk had a similar struggle. He struggled with the things he saw in this world. What he saw seemed to conflict with what he heard from God. His feet didn’t feel like that of a deer when he looked at this world or at his own strength. But note how the book ends! He found strength in the Sovereign LORD and his Word. His feet were strengthened. His heart was renewed. He stood on the heights.
We do too!
Sovereign LORD, encourage me today with the message that you are my strength. Even though I see things that make me feel weak and afraid, you can be trusted. Strengthen me with your Word so that my feet and life are like that of a deer—strong and graceful. Amen.
Living Hope Church 