For some reason, when I woke up this morning, one of the first things that popped in my mind was “On the ark with the lions.” Why? I don’t know either, it just did. I don’t remember dreaming anything related, yet the thought was there. Sometimes I think God works that way, so here I am, writing to all of you about being on the ark with the lions.
I’d never really thought about it before, but that would have to be potentially intimidating. Lions… and Tigers… and bears… oh my (couldn’t resist)! To be on a big ship with animals known to be predators, surrounded by an earth entirely covered by water, with nowhere to escape…wow.
We already know that Noah had to have had a great deal of faith to follow God’s command to build the ark in spite of taunting, inexperience, and meteorological history. Even still, to willingly board a vessel that contains dangerous animals, knowing there would be nowhere to run if things turned bad takes another level of faith for Noah and his family; but what were their options?
All of these thoughts were running through my head as I was trying to get my eyes open. Then I thought about how often we embark on journeys with lions. True, for most of us, it wouldn’t be a literal translation, but even so, there’s truth in it.
Have you ever been in a scary situation with nowhere to run? If so, you can probably relate to some degree with what I’m saying. It might be a bit scary, or it may be scary in a nearly-immobilizing way.
Faith is what keeps us going when life is intimidating. It can be easy to feel like you need to be on you guard at all moments, waiting for a lion to sneak up behind you. You know they exist in your small world.
I’ve been on an ark with lions. I longed for escape. I battled the temptation to fear the creatures by dwelling on the promise of God’s protection and loving plans. I could feel them breathing down my neck but I did my best to keep looking toward Heaven; and you know what? When I looked up to focus on Him, my faith felt stronger, and He protected me. As exhausting as my voyage was (and still is at times), He has protected me and continues to give me hope and peace. He gives us exactly what we need, exactly when we need it. Lift your eyes!
Psalm 121
A song of ascents.
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Are you on an ark with lions today?
