Four important lessons

While badgers are animals without many defenses, they are wise enough to make their homes in the rocky cliffs... (Proverbs 30:26 VOICE)

Making one's homes in the rocky cliffs might not seem very 'safe' from our perspective, when one wants a 'defense' against predators, it might just make a whole lot of sense to be in a place not easily reached! Some of us could take a lesson from the 'badger' - especially when it comes to finding the right 'defensive line'. The ants lay up for the lean season, the locusts know they need each other and move in mass, and the lizard can go places others cannot. All four of these creatures are considered wise, giving us a lesson to learn from each of their 'traits'. The badger knows he needs a good defense against attack, as do each of us!

The 'badgers' referenced in this passage were merely rabbit-sized mammal of the region that had very little in the way of its own defenses. They lack physical strength, have short legs, and cannot fight off a predator very well. They would be easily spotted if they lived in the open areas such as the meadows or pastures, so they choose to remain where they will not be easily 'picked off'. They are not loners, though. They live in small colonies, having made their homes in the clefts of rock outcroppings and under the shelter of rock formations. 

Our takeaways from these tiny creatures:

- Stay connected with those who can help you in times of trouble. They almost post sentries to alert of danger, allowing the entire colony to run to the shelter of their safe defenses.

- Prepare for attack. The more we prepare for our enemy's attack, the quicker we will be able to respond when we sense there is danger we may not really see but know is definitely there.

- Shelter in a secure place. There is no greater shelter than under the protection of the Almighty God. We cannot over-estimate our own ability to find protection in the moment. We need it all the time!

- Our reliance isn't upon our own ability or strength. It is in God's ability - his strength. We might think we could 'get away' when temptation comes our way, but our 'short leg' syndrome would soon trap us!

The badger may not be formidable on its own, but when appropriately sheltered, it is a force that cannot be reckoned with! Just sayin!