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Lamentations And My Dog
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by Denise Nelson
amentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love
and causing havoc with our neighbor’s dog, she
of the Lord never ceases, his mercies
gets scolded. One day, she repeatedly did this. I
never come to an end; they are new every
know she knows it is bad because she acts guilty
morning; great is your faithfulness.” I love that verse and can never read it without
when she sees me. Do you know what that crazy dog does? She comes to me and rolls over in
singing it in song. If you ask me, I will tell you
submission. She knows she did something she
I believe it completely, and I do: for everyone
should not, but she trusts me and the love I have
else. Gasp! How can I say that? Well, because
for her. Will she mess up again? She was just
it is true. If someone I know, or even do not
checking out the garbage can in the kitchen, so
know, has a moment that results in sinning, my
yes, she will. That is when it hit me. There is no
immediate response is, turn to God. He loves
way I could love my dog more
you. He does not love you less because you
than God loves me. He gave
messed up. He does not love you more
His Son for me. That is the
when you do not mess up. His love is steadfast. It does not change. Maybe you are like me. Grace is easy to
value He placed on me. I messed up again the other day. Instead of hiding in
extend to others but difficult to apply to
the bushes in shame, I repented
yourself. Maybe you, like me, run from
and trusted in His love and
instead of to God because you fear His
mercy. Guess what?! He
disappointment. You fear it changed
was waiting with open arms
His love. If so, then maybe the
because He is faithful. Do
epiphany I had will help you too.
you have something that has
My dog Gemma is a red Lab. She is the sweetest, craziest dog. I love her, and she
you running from instead of to God? He already knows it all, and Lamentations reminds
loves me. When she does
us His love for us is trustworthy
something she should not,
because He is faithful.
32 // January 2021
About The Author
like jumping our gate
Denise Nelson lives in Ringgold, Georgia, with her husband, son, father, and grandfather.
