Dog Days and His WaysSample

Down

When I say “down” to either of our two dogs, they respond pretty well. We especially enforced this command when Pearl tried to jump on people who came to our home. Eager to greet everyone, she assumed our guests wouldn’t mind her leaping up, welcoming them with her exuberance, force and sometimes dirty or muddy paws. Thankfully, with persistence, positive reinforcement, using hand signals in tandem with treats (and a much sterner voice) Pearl finally got it. Now, she just responds to our verbal “down” or “off” command. This was one of the hardest commands to teach and her behavior definitely was difficult to train when she was just under two years old. (I’ve heard there really is a “terrible twos” as you raise a dog that’s similar to bringing up a baby.)

In training our little Fitz, saying “down” to him meant to lie down. It’s nice to put him (and Pearl, too) in this posture when we take them to an outdoor restaurant with a patio. They both know when we pull a blanket out and say “down” to stay on their comfy square. It’s important (and often life-saving) for a hunting or sporting dog to immediately respond to the command “down.”

The Bible is full of wonderful examples using the word "down." John 15:13 shares that “there is no greater love than to lay one’s life down for one’s friends.” Psalms 113:6 shares that “He stoops to look down on heaven and earth.” We also learn in James that good and perfect gifts come down to us from God the Father.

Sometimes, we are “down” emotionally. Without knowing the promises of God, we can stay down for too long.

Often, a chemical imbalance causes depression, anxiety and a “down” that is hard to overcome without the help from a physician. I know, for me, when I look up and seek His direction, I don’t stay down as long as trying to work things out on my own. King David turned his gaze heavenward, in Psalm 23, after he was made to lie down in green pastures. I’ve had a couple of really hard surgeries and had to be “down” for a while. As I was recuperating, it was hard to not let myself get too emotionally down as I healed. I needed to turn my gaze upward and, at times, I needed medical intervention and a helpful medication or two.

Our little guy Fitz taught me a great deal about contentment when he was down, literally tied to a weight, recovering from an intricate knee surgery. Used to jumping up on his favorite spot on the sofa, he had to be restricted for eight weeks. He certainly heard the word “down” more than he wanted. Thankfully, he and I healed well from our procedures. Staying down was beneficial for both of us. Honestly, reflecting back, I now recall those days as being some of my sweetest times with the Lord. From my comfy sofa and bed, I reminded myself to “be still and know that He is God.”

I’m also reminded of the safety I feel in the Lord’s presence when I see our dogs lying down, sound asleep, and especially in a deep sleep. They are happy. They are safe, comfortable and trust their environment. Pearl’s gentle snore is soothing at times. They are relaxed in my presence, knowing I’m an armchair away.

Father, help me to rely on You when I feel down or am mentally or physically down and need to rest or heal.

Thank You that you bend down to your creation to help restore us, to offer us encouragement and remind us of Your presence. Help me to relax in Your presence and trust You, always.