We have three four-legged children. The oldest, Cooper, is an Australian shepherd. Brady is a beagle and doberman mix. Attie, the youngest, is a rottweiler. All three are rescue dogs. As I sit here on my loveseat reading my morning devotional, Brady is curled up beside me. I can feel the warmth of his body against mine. I can also feel his need to be close to his Mama. Brady needs this closeness even more than I do. It gives him a sense of security, a sense of love, and a sense of belonging. Dogs are, after all, pack animals.
As he lay here, I realize I am not much different in that I need to feel a closeness to God. I need to feel a security about my life I can only find when I trust in Him. And I need to feel the unconditional love and acceptance only He can provide.
True closeness, security, and love can only come from God. Anything on earth we perceive as these things is often superficial, conditional, and temporary just as our lives on earth are temporary.
God’s love for us, however, will never stop. C. S. Lewis says,
“Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.”
And, like my three ‘kids,’ I am a rescue. God has rescued me from myself and this world. He rescued me when He gave His one and only Son to die on the cross that I might live. When I take the time to really think about what that means, I am humbled. I did not have to give my life, or my son’s life to rescue my pups. Some might say, “Of course, not. They are just dogs.” God could have chosen not to give His Son’s life for us. After all, we are just humans – and not very good ones at that!
I am thankful Brady loves me and wants to be near me and snuggle. It is a great reminder God wants us to love and trust Him and be near to Him. We can only do so by spending time with Him each day and growing in our relationship with Him. Just as my dogs have grown to love and trust me, we can grow our love and trust in God. We can let God rescue us by engaging in a relationship with Him through daily prayer and study and by surrendering our lives to Him
Just for today, take time to spend with God in His word and prayer so you
can deepen your faith, trust, and love in Him.
Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:26
Have a blessed day!
– Paula –
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