Trust Me

Our family has two dogs, Shasta and Easton (left, Easton; right, Shasta). Both of them are rescue dogs, yet they have completely different personalities and life experiences. Easton was adopted from Free to Live, a no-kill sanctuary in our area. Unfortunately, before arriving at Free to Live, Easton was abused. His scar tissued ears are an everyday reminder that people and life can be very cruel. Since his arrival in our home, Easton has flourished. He is still skiddish and afraid of many things (especially loud noises like the vacuum cleaner). For the most part, I think he knows he is safe and loved; yet he is still mindful of how things once were and how unkind the world can be.

This morning as Easton came to me for attention and his morning head rub, I looked into his deep brown eyes, and told him, "I wish I could get into your mind and help you to understand. To understand that you are safe and loved, and that I will always do everything in my power to keep you from harm."

As those words rolled out of my mouth, I thought of my relationship with God. He must have spoken similar words to me, time and time again. "You are mine and I love you. I will do everything in my power to keep you from harm." Yet, time after time I have doubted and strayed, even to the point of causing self-inflicted pain and harm. Then it came to me, if I can feel the overwhelming desire and need to love and protect a rescued dog, then surely, on some level, I can understand God's overwhelming desire to love and protect me; and I can trust that he is always there and only wants the best for me.

Perhaps it's time for me to show God the same trust that I seek from Easton.

""For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."" Jeremiah 29:11

My Prayer:

Thank you Lord for loving and protecting me, for only wanting the best for me. Help me to trust you in all things and to always be willing to answer your call and to seek safety in your love. Amen.