The young lions

Honour the LORD, all his people
those who obey him have all they need.
Even lions go hungry for lack of food,
but those who obey the LORD lack nothing good. (verses 9,10)

Read Psalm 34:9-14

Of all the animals in the jungle the lion was the most powerful. He spent his days among his pride, yawning sleepily, and growling at his playful progeny. He seldom hunted, leaving that to the lionesses, who herded and killed when they needed food. When the carcass was ready, they all stood back so that he could eat first. When he got old, he was challenged by another male, who beat him so badly in a ferocious fight that he died. His pride was taken over and some of the young lions starved. That was the law of the jungle.

It’s easy to think that such a law governs the lives of humankind as well. Being strong is no protection. Our only security rests with God. He alone has the power to save us and ensure our ultimate security. And, when we give ourselves to him, we find he has a plan to restore peace and love as the proper basis for human life.

Dear God, spare me the fate of the young lions, the victims of a violent world. Give me your Spirit of love and peace. Amen.

by Richard Hauser, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)

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