Our Guardian

The saying – a picture is worth a thousand words – can speak to this picture.  I’ll try not to use a thousand words but there is just something about this picture.  This picture presents a very commanding look by what some could say is just an adorable animal.  However, there is so much more to a Llama than its “beauty”.   Llamas are protectors.  They guard flocks of sheep or herds of goats from the predators that roam around waiting to attack.  The llama, who lives with his flock or herd, keeps his eye out for anything that does not belong or could harm his flock.  He is always on guard and if something threatens his flock he is off and running.  You see when a llama feels there is a threat he runs at that threat.  He stares down the animal that is threatening his flock and will spit if the threat continues.  If the animal does not back off and makes his way towards the flock, the llama will knock the animal down and stomp it with its knees.  The animal will either run off or be stomped to death.

While taking this photo, it was very interesting to watch the llama.  I was off to the side taking photos, and he always kept his eye on me.  At the same time, there was a great deal of activity surrounding his pen and he also kept an eye on that.  He paraded around his pen making sure all was well and his demeanor changed when someone would get too close to his pen.  He became stiffer in his walk and made his way over to the “threat”.  If the “threat” did not back away or chose to climb on the fence he would stomp his front feet.  If that didn’t work, the spit flew.  The “threat” got first hand exposure to his line of defense and it worked; the “threat” backed off. 

The llama in this picture brings to mind the verse I shared a couple of weeks ago from 2 Chronicles 16:9.  “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him.”  I have this visual of the Lord with a commanding stand and watching out for me.  He is watching to and fro amongst all the activity that surrounds me and misses nothing.  He is my protector!  It is also noted in Psalm 34:7 that “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.”  Not only is He constantly watching out for us He is encamped around us.

I need a protector!  I need the Lord’s strength and might to surround me; to encompass me as the “threats” of world are around me.  “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2

Cheryl