A few weeks ago Shawn and I started watching a fantastic DVD series called Planet Earth. It contains amazing photography and video footage of…well…earth. Though the science behind it is of course evolution when talking about how long the earth had been around, but I have been completely humbled by the awesomeness of our creator.
As with most nature documentaries the “circle of life” was brought up and enter from backstage African Hunting Dogs hunting Impalas. The Dogs stayed hidden, spying their prey, inching closer and closer till the most opportune time to strike. They attacked the unsuspecting prey which of course ran for dear life.
The narrator explains that the African Hunting Dogs are the most efficient hunters in Africa, working as a team seeking to destroy. Each dog breaking off simply to surround the hunted.
In the video the Impala’s only saving grace was jumping into a lake treading water while the African Hunting Dogs waited and then left to go sup on an Impala whose fortune was not so good.
As I watched this I could help but think of my own life. I’m just sitting here minding my own business when out of no where I’m attacked. And I’m running.
But where am I running.
What am I looking to, to be my saving grace? Friends? My husband? A glass of wine?
I have noticed over the last couple weeks that when I ran to God, ran to His Word my attitude, my unbridled tongue got better. The moment I stopped engulfing myself in the wisdom of the Bible and the teachings reminding me that my tongue is like the fires of Hell my attitude started going bad again.
I’m learning where to run. To continuously allow myself to be engulfed by the Word of God.
His arms are the safest place to run to. He is my secret place.
I love those secret places. I often imagine myself six years old, in my Sunday best curled up in His arms, on His lap. Feeling His peace, His warmth as He holds me near.
HIIII friend
oh my gosh you are in my head right now. Safety has been the theme of the last week for me… where to find it, how to keep it…where it comes from…how to get it back.
you have me reading James. Just want you to know that… its soooo painful, but wonderful
I have like every other line in James 2 underlined… oye 
I’ve been reading James too. So many underlined parts. Little scribbled notes.
You know I’m praying. Also that you don’t get attacked by an African Hunting Dog in the next couple weeks.
I LOVE THIS!!!
I’m running too… often without direction.
God is showing me (with a lot of patience) to run to my safe place, my comforter when I’m getting attacked.
Running into His arms,
~Manda
He is our comforter. The other thing I’ve also thought of is the Impala that did ended up being dinner was sacrificed for the escape of the other (against its will obviously), but Christ sacrificed Himself so that when we encounter attacks we have an escape. How awesome.
We serve a High Priest who can sympathize with those attacks, and who always provides that means for escape.
Glory to Him!
As always, Prudence, you’re challenging me. As a guy, we are taught to be self-sufficient… to stand and fight… but there is no shame in running to THE safe place when we are frightened or in danger.
Thanks for sharing your heart… again!
Thanks Don.