These four things give us pause to consider

“Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; hyraxes are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags; locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks; a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces." (Proverbs 30:24-28)

Four creatures of this earth that may just hold a lesson or two for us:

Ants - tiny creatures, but oh so very industrious and important. If we were to learn only one lesson from the ant it would have to be that of planning ahead. The ant gathers while sustenance may be found, packing it away carefully. Leaving his tunnel over and over again many times each day, in search of what he needs, seeking until he finds. Could this describe the attitude of heart, mind, and spirit that God desires of his children? We might just be more prepared for whatever storm comes our way if we'd take time to plan ahead spiritually, emotionally, and relationally!

Hyraxes or Rock Badgers - these small rodents, resembling guinea pigs, make their way through all manner of rocky crags with ease because they are very sure-footed. They use this sure-footedness to escape their predators. They live in groups, forage in groups, and they also post 'sentries' in their groups to keep a watchful eye out for all manner of attack. Could this describe God's desire for his children - to be so interrelated in a community of other believers that there are always protection and provision for the members of the group? The ability to identify a 'threat' quickly, being alert to danger, and then quickly being wise as to what to do when you sense the impending threat is perhaps one of the greatest things we can learn from these creatures.

Locusts - we might learn a lesson of how NOT to live life from these tiny inhabitants of our earth. They travel in huge packs, but in case you didn't know it, they don't have any particular leadership. They just 'hang' with each other, going wherever the guy next to them goes, unaware of how 'indiscriminate' their movements actually are. Could it be that God wants us to be aware of those we keep company with? We might just find ourselves 'indiscriminately' following someone who might just lead us into some pretty scary places, creating the right opportunity for us to engage in some pretty destructive behavior!

Lizards - they 'abide' in some pretty sheltered places, but to be in the king's court is not inconsequential, is it? Perhaps the lesson we take from the lizard is where they abide. They aren't afraid to enter the 'great court' of the king. They just come, abide, and find all they need right there in his presence. Perhaps we need to come, abide, and just realize we have all we need when we remain right there in his courts. Just sayin!