Christian Living

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Living in God’s Rest - (or Everything I Know About God, I Learned from My Dogs)


"Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: “'So I swore in My wrath, they shall not enter My rest,’” although the works were finished from the foundation of the world...There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience." Hebrews 4:1-3, 9-11 NKJV

Okay, I didn’t really learn everything I know about God from my dogs, but those 4 furry “kids” did teach me a very important lesson that not enough of us learn in a lifetime of religious piety and legalism – God wants us to rest in Him and the provision He has already made for us.

Our 3 Silky terriers, Foxy, Dubya & Eli, and our Yorkie, Mo, know that when we come in the house, all they have to do is jump around and be happy to see us, and they get a treat. They know that whenever we come downstairs from the top floor of the house, all they have to do is jump around and be happy to see us, and they get a treat. They know that whenever we come upstairs from the basement, all they have to do is jump around and be happy to see us, and they get a treat. They know that whenever we’re leaving the house, all they have to do is jump around and act like they’ll miss us, and they get a treat. They know that my husband and I are such soft touches, all they have to do is look cute – even when they haven’t acted cute – and they get a treat.

At night, all 4 of these critters are piled up on the bed with us, sound asleep. Never once have I seen them up at night, pacing the floor, worried about the price of dog treats. No, when we go to bed, they all know that it’s time to go to bed. They know that when we get up in the morning, yes, they get a treat.

That is exactly the way that God wants us to be. He is our Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. He’s so crazy about us that He is able and willing to provide everything we need and desire (See Psalm 37:3-5). He’s not asking for anything from us except our love and devotion, and our rest. Rest in His promise to save us and forgive us (See Romans 10:9-10, 1 John 1:9). Rest in His promise to heal us from every sickness and disease, to prosper us and to meet all of our needs (See Ephesians 3:20, Philippians 4:19, 1 Peter 2:24, 3 John 1:2). Give God every fear, worry, anxiety, problem you have, and let Him handle it because He loves you (See 1 Peter 5:7). Even when you haven't "acted cute."

Just praise Him! He is worthy of all your praise. He is your loving, heavenly Father, and your praise honors Him and tells Him that you love, believe and trust Him (See Psalm 111:1-3). Your praise blesses God (See Psalms 34, 103, 104, & 115). Praise Him for creating you (See Psalm 139 & Isaiah 43:21). Praise Him for loving you (See Psalm 63:3 & 138:2). Praise Him for saving your soul (See Ephesians 1:1-3). Be constantly thankful for all He has done and will do for you (See Psalm 33:1 & 97:12, Isaiah 61:10, Joel 2:23, Habakkuk 3:18, Zechariah 10:7, & Philippians 4:4).

Jump around and be glad…and REST!

**Adapted from the author's website at http://www.seedwords.com/pages.asp?pageid=78365

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