Amazing Animals: The Dana Octopus Squid

Amazing Animals: The Dana Octopus Squid

Bible Blast: Read Psalm 139:7-12

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2

Some wild creatures live in the deep parts of the ocean, and the Dana Octopus Squid is no exception. It’s one of the largest species of squid, growing up to 135 pounds. Up until 2005, no one had been able to catch one of these funky guys on film. And do you know how deep into the ocean they had to go to find one? More three thousand feet down! The Dana Octopus Squid doesn’t have the two tentacles that other squid have to catch their prey, so it has to rely on an entirely unique hunting skill: lights.

The Dana Octopus Squid has things called “photophores” on the ends of its arms that emit bright light. Scientists think the squid flashes the bright light (remember, it’s pitch-black dark that deep in the ocean, so animals’ eyes aren’t used to light) in its prey’s face, which stuns the soon-to-be-food. The squid grabs it and—well, you know.

Once again, God’s creativity is mind-blowing. Only he would know to give a squid flashlights!

When people are in the midst of a difficult time, sometimes they’ll say, “We’re going through some deep waters.” It’s true that hard times happen to everyone. But today’s focus verse reminds us that although we’ll go through the deep waters, we won’t be overcome by them because God is in the waters with us. And guess what? He’s got something a lot better than flashlights on the ends of his arms to help us. He has undying love for me, for you, for everyone.

When we’re going through the deep waters, God is right there saying, “It’s okay. We’ll get through this. Just trust me, and you will not drown or be burned. Keep your eyes on me. I love you.” No human can promise he’ll always be there for us, but our heavenly Father can. He is our Forever God, and he’s full of Forever Love.

Girl Gab: Grab two flashlights, and go to the darkest room in the house. Turn all the lights out, and don’t make a sound. Play tag, but use your flashlights to tag each other! As you play, remember God’s promise to be close to you.