In my personal quiet time this morning, I read a verse in the Biblical book of Habakkuk that I’ve read many times before, but it really caught my eye this morning.
Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV)
“The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.”
I especially love the Amplified Version of this same verse:
“The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk (not to stand still in terror, but to walk) and make (spiritual) progress upon my high places (of trouble, suffering, or responsibility)!”
I think it was the line “he makes my feet like the feet of a deer” that got my attention, because I knew that deer had swift feet. So, I went to my commentary next to see what was said about this one verse. Bear with me just a minute to share some of that with you:
“He that is the God of our salvation in another world will be our strength in this world, to carry us on in our journey thither, and help us over the difficulties and oppositions we meet with in our way. Even when provisions are cut off, to make it appear that man lives not by bread alone, we may have the want of bread supplied by the graces and comforts of God’s Spirit and with the supplies of them. (1) We shall be strong for our spiritual warfare and work: The Lord God is my strength, the strength of my heart. (2) We shall be swift for our spiritual race: He will make my feet like hinds’ feet, that with enlargement of heart I may run the way of his commands and outrun my troubles. (3) We shall be successful in our spiritual enterprises: He will make me to walk upon my high places; that is, I shall gain my point, shall be restored unto my own land, and tread upon the high places of the enemy.”
Friends…I don’t know about you, but that verse encouraged me today! Recently, I have felt so burdened over the not-so-fun news that I keep hearing from family, friends, and even strangers that have kept rug burns on my knees from constant prayer. Within the last year, I have had a personal connection in some way, shape, or form with people that have experienced miscarriage, death of a marriage, death of a child, cancer, child abuse, job loss, infertility, flooded home, extreme illness, Swine Flu, and family betrayal. I am so weary at this point, and just when I think I can’t possible learn of more – someone else calls or emails their story and asks for prayer.
So, when I came upon this verse in the small book of Habakkuk this morning, I took the time to study it further. Granted, the deer feet part got my attention, but God had to use something to lure me in further. It worked! I felt such sweet assurance at the end of time with him this morning, because I know that He is…
(1) making me Spiritually strong,
(2) making me Spiritually swift (thanks to those deer feet), and
(3) making me Spiritually successful.
So, faint not, run swift, and give God glory for your successes. And…don’t stop praying!!!
I am sitting in an airport preparing for a shoot for the 700 Club Canada and I was studying Psalms 18:32-35 where David declares, “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.”
I thought what is it about deer’s feet…and found your post…I am going to use the verse in Habukkuk and thank you for giving me insight : () )
Laura-Lynn
Laura-Lynn…God is SO cool like that! Thank you for sharing this, and I pray the shoot went well (or is going well). Be blessed!
Yes and Amen!
Just read your thoughts this morning. I’m just learning about deer hooves and their relation to how God promises to make our feet like them. Thank you for sharing your perspective. May you continue to be sure footed on the hills that God has placed you on as you walk with our sweet, sweet Saviour. Blessings, Andrea
Thanks for sharing the Habbakuk verse in the Amplified Version – God is My Strength , My Personal Bravery and Invincible Army. He shall make my feet like deer feet that regardless of my personal circumstances, I shall outrun my troubles, and I will walk upon the High Places God has in store for me…. I really like the part of God being my Personal Bravery and Invincible Army, that come what may, God is invincible . Thanks for sharing
I really liked the Amplified Version … It is really so deep and personal… I am also going to share on this verse this Sunday. I pray that God will bless the bless the hearers as i am also blessed to read this post this morning. The outline is really beautiful spiritually strong, swift and successful. Thank you.
Wowww!!!! I was also reading Psalm 18:32-35 and the part about the deer feet stuck out to me and I felt led to call my husband who is and has been a hunter since a small child and ask him
What he thought it means and he said free, they run Free (love that answer) but I still felt compelled to
Study further and I found your post on what the Lord showed you and I loved your answer too!!! Now I can see why God says to study to show yourself approved so you will know His good and perfect and acceptable Will Of God!!! Thank You for sharing this because even years later it still is helping others!!! God Bless!!!
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! God Bless you too!