Our Own Worst Enemy

You’ve no doubt heard that expression in regards to someone who seems to continually get him or herself into some trouble time and time again. Well, yesterday our sweet dog, Jack, has been his own worst enemy. He lacks a certain digestive enzyme that creates tummy troubles when he eats or drinks something that is not on his proper diet sheet — like clumps of mud and muddy puddle water. We’ve had so much rain the past several months. Therefore, often on our walks, Jack grabs a bite here and slurps something there before I can stop him. Such was the case yesterday.

The tell-tale signs began last night with pacing and crying. Our hearts went out to our poor boy. I kept taking him outside and giving him a paste called Logic Firm which helps with digestive issues. When he cries out his eyes meet ours, speaking loudly and showing trust. He knows we will help him. My mother rubs his tummy and speaks soothing words. He closes his eyes. He gladly receives the comfort. He’s better this morning but today his walks will be on leash. I have to keep him close to me today for his own good.

Isn’t it the same with our Heavenly Father? By the Holy Spirit within us He shows us the way we should take, instructs us in how to live, and reveals guidance in His Word that leads us to inner peace and joy. We have tasted His goodness. We know beyond doubt that His ways are best all the time. Why then, like Jack, do we succumb to temptations that are against His instructions? Why do we drink dirty puddle water, suffering unpleasant consequences, and we do it more than once?

Like Jack, we are imperfect. We struggle with the temptations of this world. There’s a constant need to stay tuned into Father’s Words of wisdom. The fight to stay on the right path never ends because our arch enemy, Satan, never relents in his evil pursuits to bring us down. There will be always be puddles and there will always be temptation. Thank you, Lord, there will also, always be forgiveness. He will always extend His right hand to soothe and lift us up. We may have to be kept on a leash for awhile while we heal, but at the other end of the leash, our Father is always there, loving, teaching, leading us forward.

“He knows the way that I take; when He has tried me, I will come forth as gold (NKJV).”