“As the Deer”- a picture of grace, courage, rest, and steadfastness

One of the ways I love to hear God speak to me is through the natural world. I love how creation displays the glory and divine attributes of our Creator, and He reveals Himself through the natural and the ‘inspired’ aspects of creation that we see all around us.

Romans 1:20 says, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”(NIV)

I’ve noticed lately that there are images of deer heads showing up everywhere. I’ve seen them on art,  decor, album covers, logos, and it’s been particularly more noticeable as I have walked around the shops this Christmas. When something jumps out at me in a way that I feel a connection in my spirit, I pay attention and ask the Lord if there’s anything He is highlighting to me/us.

A picture can often speak more depth than a single sentence, so here’s a little of what I have been sparked to see from these deer I am seeing everywhere.

“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” – Psalm 42:1-2

When I read this scripture, I picture the beauty, grace, and gentleness of a deer, taking the time to drink and be restored, just as it is designed to do. Our hearts must know the provision that is there for our souls, the streams of living water where our thirst is quenched and we know peace, rest, and stillness. In that moment, all that matters is that place of intimacy and quiet with Him, and we are freshly equipped and replenished for what lies ahead.

“He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights.”- Psalm 18:33

“God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places.” – Habakkuk 3:19

These two scriptures, beautifully connected together, paint a picture of being steadfast and trusting towards our Creator, as we scale heights and are led by His Spirit. He is our strength and strong tower. He is our refuge in whom we trust. We can ascend the mountains before us in life, looking upon God to keep us sure-footed in paths that are unpredictable and beyond our current level of experience. We abide in Christ and He in us, now it’s simply our job to remain in His love (John 15:10). We can walk safely ahead, knowing that His steadfast love keeps us steady despite what our natural eyes may see.

Finally, let’s not forget one of my favourite books in the bible, Song of Songs, where deer are a symbol of youth and beauty (Songs 2:17, 8:14). Physical youth and beauty may fade with age, but our souls can be restored as we wait upon the Lord to renew us (Isaiah 40). Beauty is who Jesus is, and we become what or who we behold. So as I quiet my soul and behold His beauty and majesty, my soul comes alive and is replenished with grace and goodness. I’ve found that when I do this, my heart is primed to receive greater revelation and encounter with Him – not because I’ve earned it, but simply because I’ve moved on the distraction and static that can get in the way of receiving.

So my response: simply to find that place of stillness, hope, and rest in Him, trusting in His gentleness and leading, and allowing Him to lead me where my thirst is quenched and I know His presence like water saturating every dry place.

I’ll leave you with one of my favourite songs that I listen to most days at the moment.

Thanks for reading,

Victoria