So…Monday morning, Buddy (my dog) and
I went to get the car washed along with the other errands. When I go places, I
love to take Buddy. The joyful expression as he hangs his head out the window
is priceless. I pulled up to the car wash and paid. All was well until I pulled
into the washing slot.
 |
| Buddy |
Suddenly, as the machines moved over the car, Buddy began to cower and then slither into the front seat beside me. He was shaking uncontrollable while trying to stay close to me. Buddy instinctively knew, if he could get into the arms of his master, he would be protected and comforted through the whole situation.
I talked to him softly as I
stoked his head. I told him how brave he was, that he would be fine and it
would be over soon. Buddy may not have understood the words I spoke but he
could understand my tone and intent. After the machines stopped, I pulled the
car out of the slot. Buddy was timid but nevertheless he still had many licks of
thanks. By the time I drove to the street, he was in the back seat, his tail was
wagging and he was ready for the window to be opened again.
In that moment I realized Buddy and I are alike in how we react to our fears. When I am overcome
with fear, I also instinctively get into my Master’s arms for
comfort and strength. God speaks words of encouragement to my spirit through
His Word or through those around me. The softness of His words help me to
focus on His power to get me through. When I sense that the danger is over, I
sit up, straighten my clothes, and thank God he was there to embrace me. As I
relax, I resume the activities I was working on before the crisis began.
What do you do when an unexpected situation triggers fear? Learning to run into the arms of
your heavenly Father takes time but it is worth the effort. If you are not sure
how to begin, take a lesson from Buddy:
Spend time at the feet of
your master.
Listen to your master's comforting words.
Learn to response to your master's comfort with thanks.
Before long, with a little practice, you will be instinctively getting into the arms of your Heavenly Father in times of uncertainty too.
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are
the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying, ‘Destroy
him!’
Deuteronomy 33:27
