Before the sun comes up, I walk the neighborhood with my little Shih Tzu named Bandi. He weighs about 22 pounds is brindle-colored. I love the sound of birds singing their songs as we walk down each street. I especially love to hear the voice of the Cardinal/red bird. He has such a cheery way of letting the world know that it’s a beautiful day and much to be accomplished. Also, white tailed bunnies are running through neighbor’s yards and even under parked cars. Me thinks that Peter Cottontail has been busy propagating the universe.
There are others out early walking their dogs more than likely for the same reason I do, to avoid the heat of the day. I find that it is a perfect time to pray and meditate. On this day, my thoughts were somewhat troubling instilling an agony in my spirit about the state of our country and around the world. On a personal level I was experiencing inflation in every area of my life. At the gas pump, gas and electric bills, groceries, in addition, prescribed my medications that have gone sky high. In our nation knowing the border is wide open for the weak, those that are sick, many poor and others who have evil intentions pouring through the border. My heart began crying out; “America, America, God shed his grace on thee.” We, as a nation, have abused the purpose of our founding Fathers set in motion so many years ago.
Continuing my walk, Bandi stopped by a mailbox to do his daily business. While standing waiting to pick up his poop and bag it, I noticed a gigantic tree with roots so deep and so strong that some of its roots could be seen above the ground. My thoughts shifted to a memory of a song that we used to sing. “We’re trees of the Lord, planted by living waters. Our leaf shall not wither or roots go down deep. And we shall bear fruit how can we but help it, we’re trees of the Lord and we’re planted by him.” Yes, Lord your word is true. I began to praise the Lord for how he is always working behind the scenes. I started to praise him for his faithfulness thanking him for making a way even when there seems there is no way.
When I returned home from my walk, I looked up the scriptures that prompted the song. The prophet Jeremiah declared, “Blessed is the man/woman who trusts in the Lord, he is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream and does not fear when heat comes for its leaf remains green and is not anxious in the year of drought for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7 & 8ASV
Also, in the book of Psalms; “He/she shall be like a tree planted by streams of water, that bringeth forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither, and whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:3 ASV
Despite these encouraging words, my mind returned to our country’s terrible state. I could not help but think of the story of when David faced the extreme loss of his wives, family, and possessions. Even his men were ready to pull back and stone him. So, I turned to the Bible and read how David recovered all—the story found in II Samuel 30:1-6. I was reminded of how David encouraged himself in the Lord. Ultimately, David and his men went to the enemy’s camp and recovered all. Yes, the Lord is faithful. He will back us up when the enemy comes in to kill, steal, and destroy. Sometimes we are required to encourage ourselves in the Lord.
My morning walks are necessary because the sinfulness and evil schemes of the devil in the world around me seem to drag on forever. Often in my personal life, I experience delays and events that I didn’t see coming. For me, morning walks help to make my day fruitful having found a word of encouragement. Prayer, meditation, and declaring God’s word when walking my dog gives me the determination and desire to follow the Lord and fulfill his calling.
Rekindling the Flame 