Recently, I was under the weather for a few days. When I say under the weather, I mean under four layers of layered blankets, and pretty much prayed that it wouldn’t smother me. That is at least how it felt.
There were few who knew I was ill because as fast as I noticed it descending, I had to cancel commitments. A few found out because I didn’t respond in normal fashion in a timely manner. Some found out through the grapevine. Others not until after I reemerged.
Within my house, I have a constant companion. Without words, He is always there. When I leave him behind for a time, he is on constant lookout for my return. At home, he knows where I am, even if I don’t always see him at first glance. When I call His name, He comes running. He sits at my feet. Sometimes I even trip over His faithfulness to be so close. He protects me from perceived invaders. Friends he welcomes with open arms. He is a great listener. I’m his favorite. He loves me.
Add to this list, my most recent state of being. This guy stuck so close that I could feel his weight upon me. He literally for two and a half days never left my side. He didn’t eat or drink. He was my protector. Honestly, for most of it, I wasn’t even aware of it. Yet, there he was.
That’s my puppy dog. Jax.
This is also such a cool picture of my Jesus, who does all those same things (and more) when I don’t understand, when I misunderstand, when I can’t see, when I am completely under it. It doesn’t matter if there is injustice, illness, wounds, heartache, loneliness, rejection or abandonment (insert your own).
Matt 28:20 I am with you always.
Proverbs 18:24 A friend that sticks closer than a brother
Psalm 9:9-10 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.
1 John 4:8 God is love.
Matthew 20:28 Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Luke 15:20 But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Lord Jesus, thank you for these reminders that you are my all in all, the small and the big, the space in between. I look to you. You are my everything. Help me to call to you, depend on you, and to love you the way you love me.