May 16th, 2021: Lessons about Our Relationship with God in Having a Dog



Two of my kids and their spouses have for dogs this last year. I know that some people have got pets during Covid-19 for different reasons. I don't think that is the case with them. They had been thinking about getting one long before Covid-19. There are many reasons and benefits people have in having a dog:


Most dog owners would say that it is hard to be lonely and alone with dogs. They are loyal to their owners and want to be with them. It doesn't matter what happens in the owner's life, his (her) dog won't leave.


Dogs help their owners deal with their stress. Their owners can face the ups and downs of life because of their consistency in being present. They are able to feel what their owners are going through and not run away.


Dogs are better than any exercise equipment or apps. They certainly will keep their owners on the move and in shape. It is also more fun going for a walk with a dog than biking on your own in a gym.


Dogs help their owners to have more interaction with other people when they walk together. It is acceptable to socialize with a dog owner one doesn't know. Some use their dogs to become the bridge in their human interaction.


Why am I sharing with you all this? If we are honest with ourselves, we are looking for loyalty and faithfulness in relationships. We don't enjoy being alone all of the time. We would love to have someone to be with and talk together when experiencing a stressful period in life. We need to belong somewhere and something bigger in life. We find it hard at times to overcome our awkwardness in reaching out to others.


God knows these things about us. Our separation from Him because of our broken conditions. We isolate ourselves due to our selfishness. We are alienated from one another as well when we abuse and take advantage of our relationships. Much of our stress is from within ourselves because we don't like who we are. We want to be different, so we create other aspects of the self to be accepted and loved.


Jesus knows all of that about us and still decides to step in our place, a place of misery so that we can discover freedom and forgiveness.


Jeremiah 29: 11

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."


Deuteronomy 31: 6

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."


Isaiah 41: 10

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

 

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