Learning from the Rock Badger

The Bible often invites us to consider animals as good examples of certain characteristics we should have. One such animal is the rock badger.

Meet the rock badger.

He’s a cute little fellow. But he isn’t praised for his cuteness. He is praised for something he does.

In Proverbs 30:24-26, the writer is thinking of several small creatures who are very wise. Look what he says about the rock badger:

“[24] Four things on earth are small, but they are exceedingly wise: …[26] the rock badgers are a people not mighty, yet they make their homes in the cliffs…”

So, the rock badger isn’t very big or very strong, but there is one thing he has learned to do that is critical.

What is it?

The rock badger knows to hide in a safe, strong place.

The rock badger makes its home up high in the rocks and cliffs. The rock badger is not strong but has learned to hide in a stronghold. The rock badger is not big but has learned to hide in the massive mountains. The rock badger has no armor but has learned to use the rocks as a shield. 

And we could learn a thing or two from the rock badger. We, too, are not very big or strong or armored, but we could take a cue from the rock badger and learn to go somewhere that is strong.

Where?

We can go to the Lord, and let Him be our safe place.

This is something we all must learn to do. Don’t fight the battles on your own. (We’re all just little rock badgers compared to some of the struggles we face.) We must learn to retreat to God who is the mighty rock where we can hide.

Listen to what David says:

[1] I love you, O LORD, my strength.
[2] The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
[3] I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies. (Psalm 18:1-3, ESV)

You see? David has learned from the rock badger. He knows his best bet is to run to the Lord who is like a rock of refuge, a fortress.

And so this week, when you are feeling stressed or threatened or scared or hurt, I invite you to remember the rock badger and how he runs to a safe place in the rocks. And I want you to remember that you can run to the Lord as your safe place. You can pray to him right where you are and let Him be for you a rock of safety.

Amen.