“Hide me under the shadow of Thy wings, from the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies.”
Psalm 17:89
If the Creator hadn’t provided a means of protection, many creatures wouldn’t have a chance of fighting back or escaping from their enemies. Many of their enemies would devour them with one bite if the opportunity presented itself. Here are some examples of the Creator’s protection.
Several small beetles are colored bright red, orange or yellow, others are plain-colored, and still others are a combination of the two. Each of these beetles is either poisonous, has a terrible taste or has a bad smell. As a result, many creatures have learned to avoid them, as well as those with similar color combinations, as they are not able to distinguish one from the other.
A wide variety of caterpillars, wasps, bees, flies and even small birds have been given distinctive markings of various kinds. These creatures are protected from harm because they don’t look like something edible. Some resemble stones, sticks, blades of grass or other non-edible objects. Some caterpillars cover their backs every day with flower buds, leaves or grass. An unusual variety of beetle plasters its back with mud each day. Another, which lives on chalk-white cliffs, powders its entire body with fresh, white dust, making it practically invisible to its enemies.
One of the most amazing insects is an orange and black fly by the name of zonose. Its wings, which are spread out while resting, are transparent but have black, matched markings on each wing that look exactly like a jumping spider’s legs, including other black spots on its body - all contributing to its disguise.
In the oceans in many parts of the world, large fish will gobble down smaller fish. However, one called the cuttlefish can change its color in less than a second to blend perfectly with its surroundings. In fact, there are a great many fish that can do this very same thing. When they see an enemy approaching, they seem to sense that their coloring hides them. They remain perfectly still while the enemy swims by without even being aware of their presence.
These are just a few examples of helpless creatures being protected from cruel enemies by means of fooling them or being invisible, using the remarkable and interesting camouflages the Creator has provided for them. Of course, they are not aware of His care, but He kindly looks after them just the same.
Those who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour are often aware of our enemy, Satan, who never tires of trying to discourage or harm us by evil suggestions and teachings. Our opening Bible verse should be our constant prayer, guide and encouragement. Do you know the Lord Jesus as your very own Saviour? If so, you can ask Him to hide you under the shadow of His wings.
ML-04/01/2007