“But I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.”
Psalms 31:14 ESV
Standing on tiptoe, I balanced on the kitchen sink’s narrow back edge, clutching the window ledge, and peered into the dark evening. I couldn’t see a thing.
Grandma assured me that Grandpa and his helpers were in the field; they’d be visible from my perch once the fire began.
Over supper, Grandpa had said burning the field was the only way to ensure the grass would grow strong and healthy for Spring grazing. I offered to go with him to help, but I quickly got a “no” to that offer. I guess he thought four-and-a-half years old was a little young for a farmhand.
Suddenly, a large flame shattered the darkness. In the bright glow, I could see the shapes of Grandpa and his two helpers. Horrified, I saw the shapes of panicked cows scattering and frantically running away from the quickly spreading fire. It had not occurred to me that the cows would still be in the field.
My scream was interrupted by wild, loud noises coming from the field. It was the cows. They were screaming, too – a weird, high-pitched, long-moo-noise that sounded like a scream. It pierced my ears and heart.
Almost hysterical, I cried, “Grandma, they’re killing the cows! They’re killing the cows! The cows are all going to die! Grandpa’s got to stop the fire!” Tears flooded my cheeks.
Grandma pulled me away from the window and looked me in the eyes. “The fire is under control. Those cows will be just fine. Grandpa’s helpers are herding the cows away from the fire. Your grandpa knows what he’s doing. He does this every year so the cows have plenty to eat in the Spring. Those dumb cows just don’t know what is good for them.”
Grandma lived a harsh and hardscrabble life on the farm. She had no time for or patience with foolish people—or animals.
“Those dumb cows just don’t know what is good for them.”
During a recent trip to Oregon, Russ and I drove past hundreds of acres of burnt-out pastures and woodland left in the wake of devouring fires. I remembered the screaming cows, the burning fields, and my fear that the cows would burn to death.
I’ve always loved cows. They’re my favorite barnyard animals. I spent many childhood hours sitting on the wooden fence that hemmed the cow pasture, petting, talking, and singing to my cow friends. So please, take no offense when I say we are often much like those “dumb cows.”
It’s true. We are. We find ourselves in what appears from our vantage point to be an out-of-control situation, and our first (cow-like) instinct is to run screaming in the opposite direction. Or, if you’re like me and know running is not your forte, you stand screaming silently, trying to figure out how to take or regain control. You’re sure you can fix it by yourself.
As hot as the scorching flames may feel, as wildly out-of-control as it all seems, there is no situation beyond the control of our All Knowing, All Powerful, All Loving, Heavenly Father.
Conceptually, you acknowledge that to be true. But do you look first to the Father when the fires of life burn out of control?
Is your trust first and foremost in God? Or are you looking for a place to run and hide? Or silently screaming as you frantically try to solve your problem with your own strength?
Who do you trust? Better question—who do you trust most?
It makes me sad when I think about those cows. My grandpa fed and watered those cows daily. He kept them safely pastured in grassy meadows. He milked the cows and cared for them, providing everything they needed to keep them comfortable, safe, and healthy. He called the cows by name. Yet, when the field was on fire, and he was there to guide them safely away from the flames, they panicked. They didn’t trust him completely.
It makes me even sadder when I think about myself and the times that I’ve been that “dumb cow” panicking in the heat of the moment. Those times when I was so caught up in the upset, fear, and confusion of the situation that my first thought was not “Run to the Father!”
How could I think that the One who knows me better than anyone ever has or will could possibly forget about me? (Isaiah 49:15)
How could I doubt the One who chose me to be His child even before He laid the foundation of our world? (Ephesians 1:4)
Why can I not fully believe Him when He says “I will never leave you or forsake you.”? (Isaiah 42:16)
Thankfully, as the years have passed, it is the exception not the rule that I have those fleeting moments of doubt or panic, because God has proven over and over again that He is faithful in all things.
“But the LORD is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Even if the flames encircle me, my God is standing with me in the fire just as He did with three young Hebrews in the fiery furnace. If I cling to that knowledge – that absolute certainty – my fears will not overwhelm me.
“…Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us….” Daniel 3:17
My Prayer:
Father God, You alone are my refuge and my fortress. You alone are worthy of all my trust and faith.
Forgive me, Lord, when I panic and fall apart trying to be my own savior. Forgive the times that I try to do it all in my own strength. Forgive me when I look to You as a last resort.
O God, help me to know in my heart of hearts that You alone are my hope. You are my only Hope.
Remind me. Teach me. Father, when the fires of life threaten, help me to always look to You first. Help me, LORD, to trust you in all things.
Thank You for Your everlasting love. Your gracious mercy overwhelms me. Your unfailing presence calms my spirit and holds me fast.
In the blessed name of Jesus, my LORD, and Savior,
Amen.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV