Fleet footed deer count on their speed to get away from hostile animals that want to eat them. Deer also know how to keep their bodies healthy for the day they’ll have to streak away from trouble. They build their homes near water sources like a river, lake, or creek. They quench their thirst several times a day, and often choose water over food. The psalmist saw valuable lessons in deer. He wrote in Psalm 42, “As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?” The psalmist recalled that God was the perfect source for quenching his thirst for love. He also knew he could trust God when others failed him. He knew God was faithful. He knew God was well suited for all his circumstances—capable, concerned, and caring. For the same reasons, we count on God today. We cultivate God’s presence, knowing that when the storms of life arise, our God is faithful. He is always present with us and will see us through.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
