Our children are teaching our puppy to ring a little bell that they’ve hung by the patio door when he wants to go out to potty. He’s caught on rather quickly which is both cute and practical. We have a long sprawling house, and it can be difficult for someone to see him sitting at the door or even to hear the tap on the door like our former dog, Strider did unless you are in the same room. We can hear the bell from all over the house so someone always gets there to take him out – quickly I might add.
The problem is, he’s learned that when he rings the bell, several people usually come running and he’s begun to use it to “summon his servants” – if you know what I mean. When he wants attention he simply rings his bell.
I was thinking about this the other day when I heard him ring the bell during my quiet time. It always makes me smile because it’s so cute, but beyond that I began to think about how I “summon” God.
While this is cute in a puppy, it certainly isn’t cute when it comes to our relationship with the Lord.
The Lord wants us to walk with Him constantly. He wants to be our companion.
“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This [is] the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” – Isaiah 30:21 KJV
Instead of walking along the way with Him, listening for his direction for each choice and decision, I’m often in the habit of running ahead on my own and “summoning” Him when I find myself in a situation I can’t handle, or when I’m lonely, or scared, or… you fill in the blank.
How about you? Are you walking with the Lord wherever you go, or are you summoning Him when you feel you need Him?
Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
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16 Comments
Phyllis
I need cheerful and patient today – thanks Sharon Rose. Nice website. I hadn’t been there before.
Phyllis
Did you hear that? I’m featured at Create With Joy today. What a blessing. I think that cute puppy face might have had something to do with it. Thanks, Phyllis
Sharon Rose
I have to admit, most days, I’m probably ringing the bell. But I have also experienced not “ringing the bell”, because I have been talking and fellowshiping with God all day. The days I’m walking with God, are when I’m the most cheerful and patient. I LOVE those days! Lord, give me the grace and wisdom to walk with You everyday!
Create With Joy
Thank you so much, Phyllis, for sharing this delightful and inspiring story with us at Inspire Me Monday at Create With Joy!
Congratulations for being one of my featured inspirations this week! 🙂
Create With Joy
http://create-with-joy.com
What Joy Is Mine
Phyllis…what a sweet story of your dog you shared but even more the reminder it passed on to all of us that we shouldn’t call on God just when we “need” him. But to walk in His love at ALL times. Thank you for sharing this week at WJIM. Have a fabulous week.
Kate @ Teaching What Is Good
Excellent analogy! Thanks for sharing this on my link-up this week.
Larissa
Neighbor from Good Morning Girls here! Cute dog and thank you for reminding us to walk with our Savior and not use Him as our personal butler.
Elizabeth Ours
That is such a cute story!! and I LOVE the picture of your big puppy stuffed into that little crate! How adorable!! 🙂
Thanks for the analogy! YOu know that I LOVE spiritual analogies! It is in my blood! 😉
I really liked your statement — The Lord wants us to walk with Him constantly. He wants to be our companion.
That thought is also the theme of Jesus Calling, which you know I adore! 😉
You phrased that in such a way that it really spoke to me and made me think about my relationship with Jesus in a new way. A constant companion — just like your puppy always wants to be with you . . . .
Thanks so much for sharing! and for linking up at my blog!
Phyllis
Thanks for stopping by and for the encouragement.
Phyllis
Oh, neighbors, I like that. Thanks – can you imagine how he stuffs his 30 pounds into that little box? It’s meant for storing his toys in but he keeps climbing in it to sleep. It will be interesting to see how long he will be able to accomplish this.
Karina
I am neighbors this week with you on What Joy Is Mine. This post is so cute, (you have a cute dog), and thought-provoking. Thank you. 🙂
Phyllis
Thanks for stopping by Mary. I certainly will visit you today. I appreciate the encouragement.
Mary @ Woman to Woman
This post certainly made me stop and search my heart. There are times when I , like your puppy, ‘summon’ God. I pray that I will more self-aware!
(Your puppy is adorable!)
I’m a new follower from Intentional.Me and would love for you to visit and follow!
Barbara Isaac
What an insightful blog post! Thank you. May I go to Him just to enjoy Him more than to “demand” from Him!
Phyllis
Thanks for stopping by Barbara. I totally agree, I just want to spend time enjoying HIM.