“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV)
I recently took my dog to the vet. If you know me, you know I love my dog a lot. People call me a dog person. I adopted Jake, my dog, 9 years ago when he was a year old. Honestly, it’s been the best decision of my life. He is a Newfoundland mix; a gentle and kind giant. Friends are always very surprised he’s a rescue.
Jake recently had a vet appointment to get updated shots. Given his age, I was naturally concerned about health-related issues. As a pet gets older, health issues can arise rather quickly. I braced myself, knowing that time is never promised, not even to those we love most.
The vet surprised me when she said, “Jake is in great health, and with some care, he can live another four or five years.” I was ecstatic about the news. I
WE DO NOT WALK ALONE
This reminded me that we do not walk alone, that even in aging and in uncertainties in life, God cares for us. After the appointment, I told Jake, “Jesus takes care of both of us.”
FORGETTING GOD’S CARE
I meant every word, but sometimes I forget God’s care; maybe we all do. The Israelites developed amnesia about God’s care. In the Old Testament book of Exodus, the Israelites saw God move in powerful ways: delivering them from slavery in Egypt, parting the Red Sea, and providing manna. Time and time again he showed up for them, not just in grand miracles, but in daily provisions.
Yet, they still forgot. They questioned. They wandered.
It’s easy to judge them as we know how the story ends, but I get it. Life gets heavy, doubt creeps in. We start to wonder if God will still show up like He used to.
But God does. Maybe it’s not parting the Red Sea or having manna fall from Heaven. Sometimes it’s a good report from a vet, a wagging tail, or the comfort of knowing your 4-legged child still has time.
UNCONDITIONAL, PRESENT AND ALWAYS FAITHFUL
Jake is one of the greatest reflections of God’s love for me: unconditional, present, and always faithful. And just like God led the Israelites through the wilderness, God still leads us step by step and year by year, even when we forget what he has done in the past.
REMEMBER
So today, I’m remembering. I remember how God has shown up in the past and how Jesus takes care of the both of us.
Have you developed spiritual amnesia regarding God’s care? Maybe it’s not parting the Red Sea or having manna fall from Heaven, but it is in your individual life story. Take time to remember how God shows up. Anticipate how He will continue to do so.