Puppy Love ~ A Doctor’s Prescription for ‘”Rest and Love”…for Us!, Part Two

Yesterday it was raining–a somewhat out of the ordinary occurrence here in Colorado Springs.  Moist and verdant, the outside world looked remarkably beautiful and peaceful.  Ever since the wildfires in our city this summer, I view rain as soothing love from heaven.  Our land desperately needed it then.  My soul desperately needed it yesterday.

Perhaps you or someone you know is dying for refreshment… emotionally, mentally, spiritually or physically.  Maybe it feels like all of the above.  Whether it’s raining where you are or not, we can rest assured God’s love ALWAYS reigns.  We need only “be still” and let His soothing water flow over and through us (Psalm 46:10).

For several weeks God has been using my precious puppy as a role model of rest… again.  Some of you may recall when, last December, Pebbles suffered intense pain and no longer had use of her hind legs.  She had emergency surgery, and her doctor prescribed “rest and love” for six to eight weeks.  You can imagine the state of my heart when, last month, she started having similar symptoms again.

This time surgery was not (yet) required… but the same pain medicine, steroids and “total rest” were.  Of all three, Pebbles’ doctor made it crystal clear that REST was absolutely essential for her healing.  Once again, God’s been using this experience to teach and minister to me.

Every time I carry Pebbles outside for a “potty break,” I’m reminded God is more than happy to carry me through my difficulties.  In EVERY trial and heartache, He can be our Strength.  “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.  I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (Isaiah 46:4).  When we are hurting and don’t have strength to “go on,” we can rest and be carried in God’s loving arms.  I know this to be true.

Secondly, in Pebbles’ little pen, it may seem there isn’t much to do.  But watching my little girl chew on a rawhide reminds me that rest provides us an ideal time to “chew” on the Word of God.  When was the last time you opened the Psalms, or the Gospel of John, or any book of the Bible and simply “ate it up?”  There is no greater way to experience the soothing, healing love of God than by spending quiet time digesting His Word.

We can also use our mouths to pray.  In order to rest, we may first need to pour out our heart to God–the One who loves us most.  My Bible has warped pages and mascara stains, but that’s okay… I’ve learned that sometimes it’s through the blur of our tears that the face of Christ is most clearly seen.  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).  It’s no wonder Jesus is called our Savior.

Lastly, if Pebbles could talk, I think she’d tell you one of her favorite parts of resting is taking her medicine… because it always comes “wrapped” in something special, like cheese, deli meat or peanut butter!  When we’re resting in God’s love, we can surround ourselves, too, with special “gifts” for our heart, mind, body and soul.  Soaking in a warm bath, watching birds, praying by candlelight, having a phone conversation with a friend….  And remember to thank God for His presence and His presents:  “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

“Thank You, Lord, for Your ‘rain.’  Thank You for meeting our every need, filling our every hole, quenching our dry and thirsty soul.  Please heal Pebbles and anyone else who needs Your soothing love today.  In Jesus‘ name I pray.  Amen.”