Doc at the Treacherous Threshold
Trust and Fear
My dog Doc took a nasty spill this week. Coming in from our deck on a rainy day, he spun out on the wet floor in our kitchen, slid, and wound up splayed out on the hard tile in a heap. Being a tough little guy, he shook it off and resumed his mission (probably a nap on the cozy green pillows on the living room floor).
But the next time I called him into the house, he hesitated at the threshold. I coaxed; he shrank back. I wheedled; he approached the fearsome hurdle, then backed off again.
Finally I took a dog biscuit from the pantry, sat down on the floor inside the door and called him again. Mustering great terrier bravery, he tentatively made his way across the doorway and raced into my lap, claiming his reward.
He trusted me. And my promise of a reward encouraged him to obey my call.
Once again, my dog has taught me about my God: even if I fear smacking up against a painful outcome, I can trust Him. I can always turn to Him for encouragement. And He rewards obedience.
14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love Me.
I will protect those who trust in My name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them My salvation.”
Psalm 91:14-15 (NLT)
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