As I navigated the curve in the road, my gaze was drawn to a sight in the middle of the road. I promptly eased off the accelerator to give the deer the time and space it needed to decide on its next move.

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As he pondered his options, he contemplated the two diverging paths ahead. One path offered an easy walk on level ground, while the other presented a more challenging route, with a ditch to jump over, a steep hill to climb, and a four-foot fence to clear at the hill’s peak.

In those fleeting moments, I was captivated by the sheer beauty of the scene unfolding before me. It was as if the hand of God was reaching out to me through this tranquil moment in time.

The magnificent deer stole a final glance in my direction before gracefully leaping over the ditch and making its way up the hill. As it reached the hill’s peak, it effortlessly cleared the fence with ample room to spare, leaving me in awe of its stunning display of agility and grace.

I took a deep breath, fully appreciating this impromptu lesson from the Lord. Seconds before, I had been thinking about the chaos and confusion permeating our nation in this current season. People are weary and stressed beyond belief. You can see it on the faces of those we interact with weekly.

The media is consistently reporting on the tragic occurrences of school shootings, resulting in the loss of innocent children and teachers. Additionally, there have been attempted assassinations of former presidents, widespread instances of sex crimes and trafficking across various states and nations, and persistent conflicts and rumors of war.

Yet, through this spontaneous lesson, I felt God saying to me, “It’s going to be okay; I will give My people hind feet and cause them to walk upon the high places effortlessly.”

Psalm 18 holds a scripture that has been resonating with me lately.

It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of deer,
And sets me on my high places.
He teaches my hands to make war,
So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
 You have also given me the shield of Your salvation.
Your right hand has held me up,
Your gentleness has made me great.
You enlarged my path under me,
So, my feet did not slip.
(Ps 18:32-36)

In challenging times, holding onto the unchanging truth found in these words is essential. They remind us that it is God’s strength that empowers us, paves the way for us, makes our difficult paths smooth, and effortlessly enables us to overcome every obstacle through His divine grace. God equips us for our battles and is the faithful presence that ensures we never stumble.

As I observed the graceful creature effortlessly maneuvering over its obstacles, I was inspired by the reminder that we, too, can easily navigate our own challenges, even when the path ahead seems steep. With faith and trust in God, we can emerge triumphant.

I sat there, completely immersed in God’s tender presence, letting it wash over me for what felt like an eternity. The peace of God flooded my heart in that moment. I realized that everything was going to be alright. It became clear that we must remain focused on God alone, the source and perfecter of our faith. We should look to Him only and place our trust in Him.

We can trust that He will give us the strength to move forward confidently, just like a deer, and that He has equipped us to conquer even the highest of mountains.

None of us know what tomorrow holds or what will happen next in our nation. But this we do know: God is already there, and He has a good plan for His people. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jer 29:11)

The adversary, conversely, aims to see us overwhelmed, disheartened, and despondent. He desires for us to feel devoid of hope, convincing us that we won’t be able to withstand any more challenges. However, he is mistaken…

With God, we always have hope, and His hope does not disappoint.

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Rom 5:5)

Remember, God has thoughts of peace for us. He alone can keep us in perfect peace amid the chaos. How does He do that? Well, we have a part to play, a choice to make. We must keep our eyes, hearts, and minds fixed on God and His Word.

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. (Is 26:3)

Let’s refocus our attention away from the constant stream of news and social media, and instead center our thoughts on God and His unwavering Word. By doing so, we will experience a deep sense of tranquility. Like the exquisite deer, we will confidently navigate the steep and rocky paths set before us with peace and grace, just as He promised.

Did this article stir something in you? Share your thoughts and prayers in the comments below!

Kim Potter is the author of Deeper Still, a 90-day devotional on a deeper relationship with God. She is also the founder of A New Thing Ministries, which sends a daily teaching to thousands of people all around the world. Her articles have appeared on The Elijah List, in Charisma Magazine, and on Spirit Fuel and iBelieve.com. Kim’s message is one of hope. She speaks to the hearts of those who have grown discouraged or disappointed by the circumstances of life, to impart hope. To order her new book or receive her daily encouraging writings, visit her website at www.anewthingministries.com, or Books Archives – A New Thing Ministries. Photo Credit: Scott Carroll on Unsplash.