Day Three Hundred Sixteen “Lions, and Tiger, and Bears”

            On August 25, 1939, a cinematic masterpiece would debut in theaters across the United States.  Based on the 1900 children’s novel by L. Frank Baum, The Wizard of Oz would become one of the best-loved movies ever produced, with those beloved characters of Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion etching a spot in the hearts of generations of children and adults.  Of the many quotes from that flick, one stands out to me.   While walking through the dark forest, Dorothy, Tin Man, and Scarecrow hear noises coming from the foliage surrounding them.  Scarecrow is concerned that there may be animals interested in eating them, more specifically, lions, and tigers, and bears…with Dorothy adding an oh my for dramatic effect.  Soon all three are skipping through the creepy forest chanting, lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my!

            Fear, defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by belief that someone or something is dangerous or likely to cause pain, is a natural response when we sense peril.  But the response to that impending peril can also expose our faith level in our God.  King David understood stormy circumstances: “My heart is sore pained withing me,” he writes, “and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.”  And he had a grasp on the concept of fear and panic also: “Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.”  Sounds like David is dealing with his own scary forest, complete with frightening animals: “My soul is among lions;” the wicked are lethal, “like the poison of a serpent;” and they are loud, “they make a noise like a dog.”  Lions, and adders, and dogs, oh my!

            David, although fearful, shifts his focus from the onslaught of the tempest around him to his unchanging God, the God that “shall never suffer the righteous to be moved,” a God Whose “mercy is great unto the heavens.”  David is feeling vulnerable, so he leans upon his “strength,” his great “defence,” his powerful, almighty God.  Although he is under a vicious pursuit and attack from his enemies, he can at the same time demonstrate the great confidence and peace that only God can give.  “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me,” sounds the victory cry!

            How is it in YOUR scary forest today?  Do circumstances, whether emotional, physical, financial, or spiritual, have you unsettled and fearful?  Join David in these words of confidence: “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed.” 

Psalm 57:7  My heart is Fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise.”

Lord, I am so blessed to have YOU as my strength, my confidence. May I always fix my heart upon You.

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