Dog Days and His WaysSample

Let’s Go

“Let’s go!” is a command that often promises fun times. It means, “Hey! We are going somewhere together!” Most dogs are eager to obey “let’s go” as it can mean a walk or a car ride with you will follow. Sometimes, all you have to do is show your dog their leash and they are ready to go anywhere with you. When I show Pearl her pink harness she spins in circles, eagerly awaiting her daycare pick-up and van ride with her canine companions. Her driver greets her with a hearty “Let’s go Pearl!” As he leads her to the van, she leaps in, ready to go, with her tail wagging enthusiastically.

As you ready your dog for a “let’s go" but instead they decide to run off without you, it can be dangerous. Dogs are prone to wander, to explore and, in doing so, they lose sight of safety. It’s like that with people, isn’t it? When the path before me looks easy, I’ve often been tempted to “go it alone” instead of relying on the nudgings of the Holy Spirit. Yet the closer I walk with the Him, the less likely I’m prone to wander or stumble. The Bible is full of encouraging stories of those who walked with God. Adam and Eve walked with God in the garden. From the patriarchs to the apostles, we learn from many who walked with God.

Each morning, our Creator is ready to go about our days with us. He loves when we ask Him to lead us and to follow His way. In the gospel of Mark, He encouraged His disciples by saying “let’s go off by ourselves for a while.” He knew they needed peace and quiet, to rest and eat.

In the Psalms, it’s repeated, “let’s go” to the house of the Lord. For me, countless special days have been spent worshipping in church, with other believers. When Jesus gave His disciples their task to go into the world and preach the gospel, He knew the importance of fellowship and community. That’s how the early church began. I’ll be honest, many days I don’t feel like saying “let’s go” to church. It can be easy to stay in, to watch a message or sermon online, under a cozy blanket or to be preoccupied with anything other than church. But, when I remember that going to church, the “house of the Lord” allows me to worship at the footstool of His throne. I’m encouraged to go, to make the time and anticipate a word or a message for my life. I encourage you to go too. If it’s been a while, now is a great time to start back or to start anew. I’ve decided to try to have the same enthusiasm going to church that our dogs have when I say “let’s go” to them.

One of our best routines is an early morning dog walk, just as the sun comes up. Perhaps as I offer the familiar “let’s go” to them, I can whisper it to myself too. I love returning home after those walks. As I rest, with coffee in hand and our dogs by my side, I spend time in His word.

I love the promise King David knew about our Lord. “If I go up to heaven, You are there. If I go down to the grave, You are there.” He is with us, too, wherever we go.

Father, thank You for going with me as I live each day. Help me to follow Your lead, to do Your will and share Your love along the way.