“REED” This

Lookin’ Out My Back Door

Many of you might remember an old song by Credence Clearwater Revival (CCR) that came out in 1970 with the same title as above. It’s a fun little song with some crazy lyrics. But what made me think of it was looking out my back door. I’m not talking about at my house, though. I’m talking about my office. Most people do not have a back door in their office, but I do. I’ve mentioned it before as I enjoy looking out through it as I think, meditate on God’s Word, or write. The scenery can be very inspirational. As I was looking out my back door late yesterday afternoon, I was given a treat of seeing six deer grazing in the field. There were four doe and two younglings that were enjoying a meal. I’ve seen many deer on the property since we have moved into the building, and even before everything was completed. They are beautiful creatures and seem therapeutic in a way. As I watch them, I am still, thus slowing my heart rate and calming my mind. I can focus on watching their movements and observing their actions and let any frustrations or stress that I’m dealing with simply fade away.

I watched them for several minutes and noticed when most of them had their heads down, at least one of the older ones had their head up looking out for danger. This would take place also when the younger ones would be running and jumping around in a playful way. The older ones would alternate which would have their head up, of course, so that all of them were able to eat. Yet they maintained at least one watching for protection. We’ve all seen this with animals if one has ever watched a wildlife show before. It is a safety mechanism. At least one animal will be a lookout while the rest of the group is able to relax and graze with their heads down. Taking turns being a lookout ensures everyone is able to eat. That one is responsible for the safety of the entire group at these times.

It made me think about how God watches over us. We can be living our lives, many times with our “heads down” and not paying attention to the dangers that are all around us. Yet, our Good Shepherd is always watching and protecting us. In His own way, maybe through His still, small voice, He alerts us that we need to be ready for an attack. And even though our God is always watching over and watching out for us, we ourselves need to be watchful. Peter writes in 1 Peter 5:8, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” Our enemy is always trying to get to us to harm us. He can’t take us away from God, but he can cause us grief if we aren’t watching and fall to his crafty temptations and distractions. Jesus warned His disciples in Matthew 26:41, “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” We need to remember that our enemy is out there and trying to harm us in any way he can. But God is with us and can give us strength and help us to stay alert and watch for anything and anyone that may harm us.

I noticed throughout the rest of the evening these deer basically stayed in the field until it was dark. They may have wandered out of the field some, but only for a minute or two before returning. They continued diligently watching to stay safe and to stay alive. We would do well to learn from their example, as well as remembering the warnings found in God’s Word.

Bro. Paul Reed

Tuesday, September 20, 2022