As the man worked in his field, his dog explored in the tall grass at the perimeter. Presently a rabbit sprinted out into the clearing, with the dog in pursuit. But the dog did not try to overtake the rabbit; he merely circled wide, heading his victim off and forcing the rabbit to run around the field in a wide circle. The man stood in the center, watching the drama unfold. The rabbit was slowing, tiring; the dog loped behind, prolonging and relishing the chase. Finally the exhausted and desperate creature realized that it had no other option. Contrary to the most basic instincts of the wild, it hopped to the man and slowed, allowing itself to be scooped up in the man’s strong, tender hands.  

The Old Testament book of 1 Samuel recounts numerous instances of David fleeing from a deranged king who sought to kill him. Perhaps no other Bible character was pursued so relentlessly; and no other Bible writer has penned more eloquently his thoughts and aspirations of trust in God. When David was driven from society into the wilderness, he was also driven to trust God and to depend on Him for protection and direction.  

Romans 8:28 assures us that all things work together for good to those who love God. All things includes both happy and sad circumstances, joy and sorrow, mountains and valleys, sunshine and shade. God sovereignly weaves these bright and dark strands together for our good and for His glory. One simple benefit of hard times—if we respond properly to them—is that they can drive us to trust God more fully.  

Calmly commit your fate to the strong, tender hands of your loving heavenly Father.  

When we’re pursued by doubt and fear, 
And all our options disappear, 
We place our trust in His strong hand, 
And know this for our good He planned. 

From Paws on My Porch, by Gary Miller
© 2015 TGS International, PO Box 355, Berlin, Ohio 44610
Used by permission