The Walking Stick (of the order Phasmatodea) is the common name of a group of insects that mimic plants as a form of camouflage.

This ability to blend into their surroundings is called background matching. The Walking Sticks look so much like the sticks and leaves of their natural habitat that they are practically invisible in their surroundings. Even when you know they are present, they are difficult to see clearly.

Walking Sticks are found all over the world except for Antarctica and the very southern tip of South America.

As long as a Walking Stick stays in its habitat, it is safe. If threatened, many Walking Sticks will “freeze” in place, remaining motionless for a long period of time. They instinctively know that as long as predators see only their hiding place, they are safe.

“You are my hiding place,” the Psalmist sings to God. “You will preserve me from trouble.”

Before we can hide, we must resemble the One who hides us. As long as we stay in our habitat — safely enfolded in God’s protecting embrace — we are safe.

Once in God’s arms, we can take a page from the Walking Stick: it is in our best interest to remain quiet, motionless, letting the cares of the world pass by while God Himself brings about our promised deliverance.