Hinds' Feet on High Places Summary & Key Insights

Hannah Hurnard's "Hinds' Feet on High Places" is an allegorical novel using the journey of a young female deer named Much Afraid as a metaphor for the spiritual journey of a believer. The story unfolds through Much Afraid's transformative experience, guided by two enigmatic characters, the Shepherd and the Great Shepherd.

Much Afraid, initially timid and fearful, lives a life confined by her limitations and the anxieties of the Valley of Humiliation. She longs for the High Places, a symbolic representation of spiritual heights and intimacy with God, but fear prevents her from venturing beyond her comfort zone. Her life is characterized by self-doubt and a preoccupation with worldly comforts and security.

The Shepherd, a benevolent guide representing the Holy Spirit, enters Much Afraid's life and begins to challenge her self-imposed limitations. He encourages her to embark on a perilous journey towards the High Places, highlighting the necessity of surrendering her own desires and allowing God's will to guide her path. This journey is not without hardship; Much Afraid encounters treacherous terrain, symbolic of spiritual battles and trials of faith.

Along the way, Much Afraid meets the Great Shepherd, a powerful figure representing Jesus Christ, who embodies unconditional love and sacrifice. The Great Shepherd reveals Much Afraid's inherent worth and the depth of God's unwavering love, challenging her self-deprecating perceptions. He also shows her the importance of obedience, humility, and trust in the face of adversity.

The journey itself is fraught with obstacles. Much Afraid faces the daunting task of climbing the treacherous slopes of Mount Despair, symbolizing overcoming spiritual depression and doubt. She battles with the insidious whispers of the enemy, represented by the sounds of the Valley, which constantly tempt her to return to the safety and familiarity of her old life. Through these trials, Much Afraid learns to rely on the Shepherd's guidance and the strength provided by the Great Shepherd.

The climax of the story sees Much Afraid finally reaching the High Places, a place of breathtaking beauty and profound spiritual revelation. There, she experiences overwhelming joy, peace, and an intimate connection with God, realizing the immeasurable worth of her soul and the purpose of her life. This transformative experience permanently alters her perspective, and she returns to the Valley, not as Much Afraid, but as a changed individual, empowered to share her newfound faith and understanding.

The overarching themes of the book revolve around faith, trust, obedience, the transformative power of God's love, and the importance of surrendering one's self to God's will. Through Much Afraid's journey, Hurnard conveys a powerful message of hope and encouragement, illustrating that despite fear and adversity, the journey towards spiritual growth and intimacy with God is ultimately worth the struggle.