Max (my dog) tends to be skittish. He also has a tendency to cower. Let me preface this to say, he is spoiled – no abuse for him in my household not the one that he came from before. The first six months of his life are unaccounted for (he’s about 6-7 years old now), but to my knowledge he has never been abused. All that said has a timid personality and tends to cower.
When I reach to hand him people food (don’t judge me!), he walks towards me extremely hesitantly, almost as though it’s a trick or that I’ll beat him once he comes close. I admit it drives me nuts. Here I am – longing to bless him, reaching out in love – and he cowers like I’m going to hurt him…?
It made me wonder how many of us do this with God. As He longs to bless us that we cower away, or only creep towards Him with a look of expecting evil from Him (which impugns His character!) and impedes the intimacy He desires with us because intimacy is based on trust.
This brings to mind several verses for you to ponder:
- Hebrews 4:16 (VOICE) So let us step boldly to the throne of grace, where we can find mercy and grace to help when we need it most.
- Hebrews 11:6 (VOICE) Without faith no one can please God because the one coming to God must believe He exists, and He rewards those who come seeking.
So come boldly and believe not only that He is, but that His intentions toward you are GOOD!
Father, help us to trust Your heart. Help us to set aside any previous hurts and stand in faith that You love us and WANT to bless us. Help us learn not to cower, but to boldly approach – to allow our intimacy with You to grow and flourish that we might better know Your heart. Thank You for loving us and thank You for You patience with us. May we trust and love You with our whole hearts!
This reminds me not to beg for crumbs when the Father has set the table with a feast just for us! Great reminder!
What an incredible real-world example. That’s gonna stick in my mind. Thank you <3
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