I haven’t been or known anyone who has been stalked. But I have seen it on television, heard about it on the news, and watched it at the movies.
Stalking is an age-old practice of animals and humans. Predatory animals like bears, wolves, and large cats stalk their quarry. Ambling right up to a food source would only result in it running away. So, they stalk. Cats crouch, wolves run in packs, and bears suddenly appear and pounce. Regardless of the method, the action is preceded by stalking.
Human stalkers often act with typical animal behavior. Victims are selected, followed, observed, contacted, and sometimes assaulted and even murdered.
Wild animals stalked David’s sheep, but God’s goodness and mercy hounded David: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6 KJV).
God stalks his children with goodness and mercy. He even stalks those who want nothing to do with him. God’s common grace—in the form of sunshine, rain, and other blessings—falls on those who love him and those who don’t. But those who worship God receive extra measures of goodness and mercy. They also appreciate and channel it.
God’s goodness and mercy are unconditional and unending. We don’t deserve either, but he gives them, nevertheless. These virtues stalk us when we’re good and when we’re not so good. We can’t work for them, but only receive and enjoy them.
God stalks us when we’re stagnant, so we’ll grow. He stalks us when we’re growing spiritually so we’ll grow more. And he stalks when he’s ignored to get the attention of those ignoring him. His love won’t allow him to do less. God does the stalking, but it’s our responsibility to determine his purpose.
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- Devotions from Psalms Series: When the Battles Come - August 25, 2024
