He Has Made My Feet Like Hinds’ Feet

“And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet,
And makes me walk on my high places.”

Habakkuk 3:19 NASB

Do you go hiking?

When I was a kid, I loved to hike through the Ohio woods with my friends. Brightly-colored autumn leaves crunched under our feet. We navigated around tree trunks and jumped over broken limbs scattered on the ground. Sometimes we toiled up slippery hills, holding onto skinny trees for leverage. Once we reached the top, we’d carefully skirt along the edge, placing each foot securely. The ones who didn’t fall down the hill would be the winners; the others displayed defeat with muddy jeans and shoes.

After a few hours of exploring, we’d peel off our sweatshirts and tie them around our waists, in search of a perch where we could enjoy lunch. Our moms had packed us sandwiches and cookies, which we relished amidst refreshing drinks of cool water. Sunlight twinkled through the tall trees, birds chirped and trilled, and the cool breeze whispered a deep peace.

Just as we hiked gingerly through the woods, so do deer. King David drew a comparison of a deer’s walk with his walk with God in Psalm 18:33: He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, And sets me upon my high places. (NASB)

What is a hind?

The definition of a hind is a female red deer, a sure-footed animal that navigates the steepest of hills with grace and power. We also find this same reference to a hind in Habakkuk 3:19: The Lord God is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, And makes me walk on my high places. (NASB)

How God leads us

Although we may be walking through perilous times, we don’t have to fear. God makes us sure-footed like the deer so that we can navigate the most narrow and rocky paths. We can dig our heels into the steep hillside and be confident that we won’t fall. Not only does God supply us with physical strength, but He also empowers us with spiritual endurance.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:2-4 NASB

Trials are sent to strengthen us spiritually and to make us more like Jesus. As we develop patience, we are made perfect and complete in Christ. Along the way, the Lord refreshes us with the water of His Word. As we sit at His feet, He gives us rest and a peace that passes understanding.

When we face trials, let’s remember that we’re like the red deer. We can skirt every cliff skillfully and safely because God has made our feet like hinds’ feet.

Dear Father, thank you for assuring us in Your Word that we can navigate every physical and spiritual trial with Your help. Make us sure-footed today as we hike through the mountains and valleys of life. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.

He Has Made My Feet Like Hinds’ Feet by Karen Jurgens copyright ©2025 All rights reserved.