Our true best friend…by Marsha Howard
A perfect, memorable illustration for those of us who love dogs, and even, I believe, for those who don’t!
He’s There
Read Psalm 139:1-16
Laney, our dog, came to the back door barking. Then she ran out of the yard and up the hill and circled my small son, barking. In a few minutes, she was back at the door barking, and then once again on her way up the hill, circling my son again all the while barking. I was watching this from behind a curtain at the back door. You see, I had never taken my eyes off of my two year old son.
John Mitchell had been playing in the back yard, where it was fenced and safe, but decided to leave the yard and climb up the hill behind our home. I’m not really sure what lured him, but Laney felt she needed to let someone know. She knew what he was doing was out of her control, and wanted me to know that he was wandering and possibly headed for trouble.
What Laney didn’t know is that I had been watching all along. I knew exactly where he was and what he was doing. I cared for him as much as she did. I knew that if he called for me, or needed me, I could be there in an instant. Watching Laney’s reaction was touching. She had so much love for John Mitchell, she wanted to protect him. She wanted what she felt was best for him. What she couldn’t get him to do, she wanted me to do.
As I stood at the back door, I thought about how many times I have reacted just like Laney. I have frantically gone back and forth to God with requests, about my children and loved ones, feeling hopeless in controlling a situation…wanting Him to do what I think is best. Yet it dawned on me that morning as never before that God never takes His eyes off my loved ones. He loves them more than I ever could, and He is the one who knows what’s best. He just wants me to trust Him. He is lovingly watching and waiting…ready to be there in an instant.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times that I become anxious and frantic in my prayer life. Help me trust You more. Amen.
Thought for the Day: God cares for us and those we love.
Prayer Focus: Those who struggle with letting go
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7