I washed my dogs’ food and water bowls one morning and thought about how they never worry about whether they’ll have fresh food and clean water for the day. They don’t even know I wash their bowls. Our animals know where their food and water bowls are, and that is enough.
If Strider needs something, like the door opened so he can chase a squirrel, he gently lays his head on my lap. If Max wants something from me, he paws the cabinet until I jump to attention.
Psalm 104 recalls God’s care of His creatures. Note verses 27 and 28 (NIV),
All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things.”
Seeing my fur boys’ wagging tails and happy prances makes me smile. Genesis says we are created in God’s image so that we can take care of the animals (Gen. 1:26). As an image bearer, caring for my dogs brings me joy. I think the Lord also smiles when I enjoy the sweet fragrance of jasmine and honeysuckle in the spring and show appreciation for His provisions.
I wonder what the Lord does for me every day that I take for granted. What does He do to ensure I have fresh air, clean water, and good food? How does He protect me from predators? His care for me shows me how to care for my animals.
I hope you’ll join me today over at Biblestudytools.com where I look at what the Bible says about how to take care of our animals. I believe it will give you a greater appreciation of the Lord’s care for you.
Join me as we look at what the Bible says about how to care for our #animals and gain a greater appreciation of the Lord’s care for us. #RefreshingFaith Share on XClick here to comment.
Blessings,
Summer Small Group Online Studies for Women
Thursday Evenings: 7-8:30 P.M., beginning Thursday May 13 that runs twelve weeks through the summer. Our daughter Ginny Wilson will be leading a Zoom study for women on Victory Over the Darkness by Neil Anderson. Contact us to reserve your seat.
Tuesday Evenings: 7-8:30, June 1-July 27th, Debbie Wilson will lead a group in discussing her award winning book, Little Faith, Big God on Zoom. Please contact us for more information and to reserve your seat.
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Our pets are such a source of unconditional love and joy!
They certainly are! Thanks, Ann.
Your message on caring for our animals deeply touched me. Your message should be shared with all pet owners globally.
Thank you, Susan. I enjoyed thinking about this one.
Our pup is such a joy and comfort to us. She knows to come to us for a need, and she thinks it’s her job to protect us.
I love the parallels you draw between the care we give pets and the care God lavishes on us.
I love that, Nancy. Our’s think their job is to keep strangers and squirrels off our property. They bark when anyone comes up our driveway.
Debbie, as an avid animal lover I just had to read his post! I have often had the same thoughts you describe here. Caring for our animals as you describe is such a gift and a privilege, I know it honors God when we love them well.
Mine teach me so much. Thanks for adding your thoughts, Donna!
I’ll take your point one step further if I may Ms. Debbie. I believe I will be judged for how well or poorly I cared for the animals God has entrusted me with. Perhaps that’s why I refer to myself as their caretaker and not owner. Loved this post ma’am.
J.D., you understand caring for animals on a level most of us don’t. Thanks so much for adding that.
I love this Debbie. I often think when holding one of my 3 rescue pups that this is how we should be with God. Just enjoying the Lord’s presence (holding us), not worried about anything, and so happy to just be loved and cared for. I’m so grateful He rescued me too.
Thank you for the beautiful reminder of God’s care for us.
Oh Kelly, I love the picture of being a rescue dog in God’s lap! Thank you!
Our animals are members of the family. Taking care of God’s creations blesses the animals and blesses us, too.
Amen! And inspires you to write, Melissa!
I’ve seen what amazing care that my daughter gives her dogs, and it assured me that she’d use those same skills in mothering. 🙂 Now I’m getting to see that; she had her first baby last week and it’s been so fun watching her love her human baby (but still not forgetting her fur babies).
Lisa, congratulations!!! I know this is a special time for all of you!
I’m moving and where Im going dosent want my cat. I am going to drop him at the family farm until our family can find a new home. I feel like I’m abandoning him. Vet says he pees on everything is a behavior problem. ( not everything just towels/ clothes left on restroom floor and youngest child’s carpet and clothes?) Am I doing right thing by leaving him at farm?
Deana, this is a tough situation for a pet owner. If you can’t find a place that takes pets, then ask God to help you find the right home for him. He may love the farm. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him, and He will do it! from Ps. 37:5
Thanks for the reminder to care for animals and have dominion over the earth. So thankful for how God cares for all of His creatures.
Me too, Joanna. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I love cats and dogs, but where I live they will not allow the.
so my daughter who has 3 resque Pointers brings them to see
me now and then, and I have so much fun with them.
I love all of God’s animal’s.
Bonnie, I’m glad you get to enjoy your daughter’s pets. They do add so much to our lives.