Creatures at Rest

Creatures at Rest

The house is quiet, and I listen to the sound of my dogs sleeping. Their breathing is such a peaceful sound. It's not always quiet…sometimes they snore! But even then it is a calm, soothing sound, the sound of rest.

They always want to be near me. Whatever room I'm working or playing in, they follow me there, lie down, and soon are fast asleep. I like to think it's because they love and trust me, and feel safe with me. But I'm not completely naïve…I know that a dog is loyal to the one who supplies its food!

When their routine is interrupted by a trip to the vet or the groomer, it makes them nervous, but still they follow me, trusting. And when the detestable experience is over, do they turn up their noses and say, "I can't believe you would do this to me. I'm not about to go home with YOU!" ? No, they run to me joyfully, ready to go with me, glad to be with me.

I see in my pets a picture of how God wants me to be. He wants me to follow Him in what He is doing, and be at perfect peace and rest in that place. I don't get to do nothing, like my dogs, but still I'm to be perfectly relaxed and calm because my trust is in Him, I love Him, I depend on Him. He is my provider, my keeper, my loving Master.

I realize that this may seem naïve and simplistic. As a human being, I have many responsibilities and activities in my life that dogs don't have to worry about---"stress factors." But I am instructed by the Word, over and over, to lay every bit of that in the Father's hands, and not worry or fret. I should have complete trust that He is in control and will take care of me…and in that I'm to rest.


Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6, 7