6 Lessons My Dog Has Taught Me about God
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Photo credit: ©Getty Images/RUBEN RAMOS
As super brilliant as he is, when Captain is hungry, he doesn’t go to the pantry, open the dog food container, and feed himself. He looks to me to provide what he needs. Twice a day I pour food in his dish and keep his water bowl filled. He knows who provides his basic needs, and he’s grateful.
Likewise, God does that for me. Sometimes I take it for granted, but He always provides. Even when times are lean, He makes a way.
I can learn a lot about gratitude from my dog. I can also learn a lot about pushing my worries aside and knowing I’m taken care of by the Lord.
As Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:26, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
If he’s hungry or thirsty, Captain has developed a semi-annoying but adorable habit of carrying his big metal bowls to whatever room we are in and then unceremoniously dropping them with a loud clatter on the hardwood floor.
The sound is his request: Feed me.
When he needs to go out, he patiently stands by the door, and if we don’t notice, he gives a little bark or comes to paw at us to let us know it’s potty time. He asks for what he needs.
We can do the same—and not just a general “thanks God for blessings and please protect my family today,” but for specific needs. If we have a headache, we can ask God to heal us. If we need direction about a job or relationship we can ask for guidance. If we’re scared, we can ask for protection.
God hears us. He always provides for us in the way He knows is best. Sometimes that means saying “no” to our requests—just like I might say “no” when Captain wants the bacon on my plate—but He listen, and He’s there. We can always go to Him.
As we’re told in Jeremiah 29:12-13, “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Some dogs sleep in a ball. My giant German Shepherd dozes most comfortably when he’s on his back, arms and legs spread, and his tongue lolling out of his mouth. It’s the most beautiful expression of surrender and contentment. His belly is exposed, he’s vulnerable, and he’s fully at peace. You can tell by looking at him that he feel safe and secure.
When I am walking right with the Lord, that’s how I feel too. I might feel threatened by my surroundings. Crimes may occur around me or even against me. But that eternal peace and contentment doesn’t fade. I know where my future lies, and I know my eternal home is in heaven.
Therefore, when I sleep I can give it all over to God and enjoy perfect contentment. It doesn’t mean life is easy, and it doesn’t mean I’m not struggling, but there’s a deep inner rest that comes from knowing all is truly well.
As Jesus promises in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
The lessons I learn from my dog increase daily. I’m sure I’ll have far more to add next year. But I hope these make you giggle, help you relate, and understand how beautiful the dynamic is between us and our own “alpha,” God Almighty.
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Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Eva Blanco
