2 Dogs, a Carpet and my Heart
And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart…(DT 8:2)
Trials squeeze our hearts and show what’s inside, as squeezing a sponge reveals the contents. The “desert” squeezed the Israelites’ hearts exposing grumbling, unbelief and assorted cravings.
After a long day last week, I came home to find a big spot on the carpet in the den. I wanted to throttle our dogs – I knew they did it intentionally to provoke me. They were let out in the morning but purposely held it, just so they could water the carpet while I was gone. I can see them snickering and high-fiving: “Wait till he sees THIS one.” It doesn’t do any good to rub their noses in it yelling, “Bad dog!” because by that time, they’ve forgotten it entirely. In fact, judging by their hysterical yapping when I come home each night, they completely forget who I am between breakfast and dinner.
The dogs squeezed my heart. I didn’t explode, but I didn’t rejoice either. Somehow by God’s grace, as I toweled up the mess, I began asking myself what my seething revealed about my heart’s cravings.
I crave order and control and nice possessions. I want relaxation – I don’t want to spend an hour cleaning the carpet. I want a hassle-free life. These things aren’t evil, but if I sin when I don’t get them, they’ve become idols. God helped me to turn to him for grace to serve with gladness.
God even uses dogs for my sanctification.
What’s squeezing your heart today? A major affliction or a minor irritation? What’s coming out of your mouth? Praise and thanksgiving? Or grumbling, self-pity, or anger? Remember, God tests us to reveal our hearts, that he might make us like Christ.
Photo by kerri no-o
Posted in Sanctification
May 12th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Is anyone else frightened by the picture my dad chose for this post?
May 12th, 2008 at 10:39 am
hahaha mm yes!
they look a little wolfish.
especially as i have a phobia of dogs!
May 12th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Yawning is contagious.
When these trials come up I think of Colossians 1:11-12
May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully
giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.
Jeff
May 13th, 2008 at 7:02 am
Jeff - Thanks for sharing this verse. Do you use this verse as a prayer?
May 13th, 2008 at 9:52 am
I like to call Wal-Mart “the halls of sanctification.” It’s a real test in there somtimes! ha ha - sad that in my posh American life, this is a trial - going to a gigantic food mart where I can buy anything I want. Yep, I’m pretty lame.
May 13th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Sara - Kind of humorous how God uses even things like going to Wal-Mart to squeeze our hearts, isn’t it? We really do have it easy…
May 13th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
I suppose you could call it a prayer. Lately it’s been something I try to think about whenever something difficult comes up but I also try to remember to incorporate it into my regular praying (being prepared to endure…).
“This is difficult but God will help me through it and I’m so thankful that I’m saved and written in His book.”
It’s like a practical example of 1 Thess 5:16-18.
Your post on May 9 was most excellent.
Jeff
May 13th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Mark,
I found this short blog entry one of the most encouraging things I have read in a while. I related to your illustration. My sin is often exposed when I come home after a long day. Thank you for the very real, practical application of the gospel to everyday life.
Psalm 130:3-4
May 13th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Scripture Zealot - Thanks for sharing that, and for your encouragement about the earlier post.
Jeff - Speaking on behalf of my dad (who’s on vacation in a location with no internet), I’m very glad that you could relate and were encouraged. God’s truth, real life, that’s our goal!
May 18th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Thanks for your comments everyone. Just got back from a getaway. Thanks for stepping in for me Stephen.