Runaways (Lost Dogs - part 1)

Our dogs, Beamer and Kari, have been at it again. Their recent antics have not been funny, cute or pleasant. In fact, frightening and disobedient would best describe their actions. In the past several weeks they had managed to get out of the backyard and run away more than once.

Despite the benefits of living in our home, these two adventuresome pups sought out a weakness and worked at escaping the protection of our backyard fence. The draw of the scents and excitement of the area that surrounds our yard tugs at them. They are willing to leave the food, water and shelter they have access to as members of our family. In our home they had all the advantages of our love and care yet they stray away.

There are dangers and enemies outside of the protection of our home and yard. As we searched for my loveable canines, I thought of the threats that they were not even aware of. Neither dog knows that cars and trucks can cause extreme injury or even death if they run out in front of them. Other unknown perils include thorn bushes, ticks and skunks. Although death may not occur, life may become very unpleasant. Storms may come in and permanent separation from their owner may also occur. Oblivious to all these, the dogs move on in the path of many possible hazards.

How often do we act like my beloved Beemer and Kari? The Word of God has given us standards to follow that will provide a protection around us. When we stay within the confines of these standards we will live in the safety and security of God’s protection. Yet often we wander off to see what is outside this safety. “All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord has made to light upon Him the guilt and iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6 AMP) We strike out on our own, believing that we know the best way to run our lives. We do not see the death and destruction that lie in our path. “There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12 AMP) Unaware of the perils, we wander from God’s best for us.

Jesus knew the dangers that His disciples would face. Before He left this earth He prayed for His own. “I do not ask that You will take them out of the world, but that You will keep and protect them from the evil one.”  (John 17:15 AMP) We are warned of the danger that lurks around us. “Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 AMP) Outside of God’s will we are prey for the enemy.

The best course of action is to stay in the center of God’s will. Here we have this promise. “Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, there shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent.” (Psalm 91:9-10 AMP) Evil may occur all around us, but we will be safe. “A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you.” (Psalm 91:7 AMP) We are blessed when we can say, “I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep Your word [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it]. I have not turned aside from Your ordinances, for You Yourself have taught me.” (Psalm 119:101-102 AMP)

 If we find ourselves roaming around outside of God’s will, we can turn to the truth of His Word. “A prudent man sees the evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished [with suffering].” (Proverbs 22:3 AMP) We need to listen for His voice. He is always looking for us to return and He will restore us. He gave this promise to Jeremiah and it belongs to us as well. “Therefore thus says the Lord [to Jeremiah]: If you return [and give up this mistaken tone of distrust and despair], then I will give you again a settled place of quiet and safety.” (Jeremiah 15:19a AMP)  

We searched for and found our dogs and brought them back home. God watches and longs to welcome us home too.

 If you are safe in the protection of His Word, do not stray. If you have strayed, look to Him and come home.