Who’s watching your back?

Our dog, Jack, loves a good game of chase, but not every dog wants to join in the game. One day this week Jack was running up to dogs, enticing them to chase. A few entered into the fun, but one dog, a large German Shepherd, did not appreciate the invitation. The Shepherd did not behave in aggression but his stance and facial expression was one of solemnity. Jack stopped and stared. I could tell he was a bit bewildered with the situation. He wasn’t certain what to do. Dare he turn his back on the Shepherd?

I walked in the dog’s direction, coming up behind Jack. The Shepherd, who had been unflinchingly staring at Jack, saw me coming. He glanced at me, turned, and walked away. Suddenly Jack’s body broke into a picture of excitement. His mouth parted, tongue out, joy in his eyes. He glanced around as if to say to any onlooker, “Did you see me scare away that big dog?” I watched with delight as Jack ran on to find another, more willing, canine to engage in chasing games.

I wonder how often, when you and I get into a difficult situation, that we forget our Father is watching our backs? He never leaves us. He is always watching over us. In His presence we have His own strength, courage, and wisdom to carry on. The problem we face may be menacing, but it will never be able to conquer us, because our Father is stronger and wiser than any dilemma that comes our way.

Wasn’t it God who shut the lions mouths when Daniel was thrown into a pit with them? Wasn’t it God who gave young David the fortitude and skill to bring down Goliath when the whole army of Israel was afraid to even try? Wasn’t it God who gave such peace to Paul and Silas that they sang loudly in great joy while imprisoned for their faith?

If God is the same “yesterday, today, and forever,” as we are told in Hebrews 13:8, then we must never forget that His ways are the same as they have always been. Therefore, He is ever present, never leaving us. Just like me with my eyes on Jack, our Heavenly Father never takes His eyes off us. Remember the truth of Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”