While looking through some pictures yesterday I was reminded of a dog we rescued. He is such a sweet boy but for whatever reason he had been abandoned in the desert near our home.
We found him on the local Humane Society’s website and adopted him. Such a loving nature and he fit in well with the dog we already had. After a few months he seemed to be fitting in perfectly, from all outward appearances things were going great.
One day Dave and I loaded both the pups in the truck, and we took off for a scenic ride. We stopped frequently, getting out to enjoy the view, take pictures and stretch our legs. The first couple of stops went off without a hitch. But then we began to notice a change. He became more reluctant to get out of the truck and didn’t want to wander too far from where we were parked. If Dave headed back to the truck before me, he ran ahead and waited worriedly by the door, anxious to get in. Each stop he became more and more reluctant to get out.
That’s when we realized he must have thought we were going to abandon him like he had been before. We took extra time to love on him and show him that he would be ok.
Remembering that day’s ride got me to thinking about how we react in certain circumstances. What is it that triggers things in our memories that make us insecure? What causes us to worry unnecessarily?
“Lord, don’t leave me. My God, stay close to me. 22 Come quickly and help me. My Lord, you are the one who saves me.” Psalm 38:21-22 ERV
Have you ever prayed a prayer like that before? I think we all probably have.
We can overcome those fears of abandonment and loneliness when we experience the Father’s love. He promises to never leave us and He never breaks His promise.
“…God has said, ‘I will never leave you; I will never run away from you.’” Hebrews 13:5b ERV
“Lord, those who know your name come to you for protection. And when they come, you do not leave them without help.” Psalm 9:10 ERV
I’m not really sure why the Lord put it on my heart to share these thoughts with you this morning but I do know that He must have someone who needs to hear this message. You aren’t alone. There is Someone who loves you enough to die for you and He won’t abandon you now!
“So what should we say about this? If God is for us, no one can stand against us. And God is with us. 32 He even let his own Son suffer for us. God gave his Son for all of us. So now with Jesus, God will surely give us all things.” Romans 8:21-32 ERV
God the Father is with us! We are never alone.