What Animals (and insects) Can Teach Us
- David Moyes
- Nov 6, 2022
- 2 min read
Welcome to Van Life Devotions. When we were in Dubbo in New South Wales (and staying at the NRMA Dubbo Holiday Park), we visited the well-known Western Plains Zoo. This zoo, opened since 1977, is spread out over 300 hectares and is home to over 4,000 animals from over 350 species. It is a beautiful zoo, and it is wonderful to see large animals enjoy so much space.
I love animals and have grown up with ducks, chooks, lizards, mice, dogs, cats, fish, tortoises, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even a lamb. It was like we had our own mini zoo. Today, I just have a dog – a beaglier – and his name is Bozley, and he comes with us on many of our travels.
The Bible talks a lot about animals. In fact, over 120 species are mentioned throughout the pages of Scripture. In Proverbs 30, Solomon wrote these rather interesting words: “There are four animals in the world that are small, but very, very clever: Ants: they are weak, but they store up their food in the summer. Rock badgers: they are not strong either, but they make their homes among the rocks. Locusts: they have no king, but they move in formation. Lizards: you can hold one in your hand, but you can find them in palaces” (Proverbs 30:24-28 GNB).
The Life Application Bible says about this passage: “Ants can teach us about preparation; badgers about wise building; locusts about cooperation and order; and lizards about fearlessness”.
Who would have thought that we can learn from such small creatures? God, in His mighty creation, has given us creatures and animals that we as humans, if we take the time, can learn from.
In Matthew 6 Jesus teaches that an effective way to resist worry involves a careful observation of the birds and the lilies – that if God looks after these species, He will particularly look after you.
As you travel and see an array of animal life that we don’t usually see in the city, give thanks to God for His creation, and perhaps look up what you can learn from His creatures. You just may well be surprised and even blessed!
Prayer:
Thank you God that while humankind was Your crowning glory when you created the world, you still saw the need for animal kind. While Your Word is the supreme authority for our learning, help us to also appreciate the animals as part of Your creation. O God, preserve us who travel; surround us with your loving care; protect us from every danger; and bring us in safety to our journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
David Moyes
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