Lessons From The Prairie Dog
For Women by Women
Submitted by Tara Black
September 6, 2024
Recently, I was introduced to a very unassuming and curious creature as I traveled through the Northwest, the Prairie Dog. As I studied their behavior, I learned a few things. Their habitat is in soft, dusty earth that is easy to dig up and burrow in, helping them to have a place to escape from dangers and the elements. When you approach them, they begin to make chittering noises and dart into the safety of their burrow. For this to work to their advantage, they must not wander very far. They can get to safety at a moment's notice.
As I watched these behaviors, I recalled some Scriptures that reflect these characteristics.
1) There is no safety outside of God’s protection.
The Prairie Dog has learned that there is no safety outside their burrow. They will go out of it but not stray very far. They understand where safety is found.
We should never stray far from God’s protection. As Zophar the Naamathite spoke to his friend Job in Job 11:18, “And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety,” our hope and safety is secure when we are close to our God.
2) When danger approaches, we need to warn others.
I am sure that when the Prairie Dogs begin to chitter, they are letting the others know to be alert. This concept is like the verse in I Thessalonians 5:14, where the commands are given, “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.”
This statement is not merely a suggestion but a command. In the Old Testament, we are called “watchmen” in Ezekiel 33:7, with stiff punishments if we do not warn the wicked. This command, dear ones, is not a command to be ignored but obeyed.
3) Do not wander far from safety.
Whenever I approached these creatures, whether on foot or in a vehicle, they could always get to the safety of the burrow very quickly. In Psalm 119:10, the Psalmist writes, “With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.”
The Psalmist had learned that staying close to God was the best place to be. Generally thought to be written by David, he certainly had learned the lesson that not being where you should be can lead to great tragedy.
We will do well to remember and apply the wise lessons from the Prairie Dog.
