"Precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little and there a little." Isaiah 28:10
"Precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little and there a little." Isaiah 28:10
I'd like to share an experience that is very precious to me and has taught me much about how to hear God's guidance when making life-changing decisions.
After living with two dogs for a couple of years we felt ready to add a third dog. But this time we really wanted a rescue dog. We found a wonderful organization nearby and decided we wanted to support them by choosing a dog or puppy from their shelter. This prospect, though exciting, was also nerve-wracking, especially for me. How could I be sure my choice would be a good one that would bless our family? Some past experiences choosing dogs hadn't turned out as I could have wished. How could I be sure this choice would be any different? We visited the dogs at the shelter and though they were all lovely, none of them seemed quite right for us. This was last spring, and after a few dead ends we dropped the question for the time being.
Well, last July, I became aware through social media that this same rescue organization had two litters of mixed breed puppies that they had raised in foster care and that were ready to be adopted out. We decided to go and meet the puppies. Both litters were adorable, and it was easy to see they had been raised well and would make wonderfulcompanions. But I was especially attracted to the litter of shepherd mix puppies. They seemed extra loving and alert. However, I was determined not to decide in the heat of the moment, so to speak, when surrounded by puppy paws and wagging tails and loving little faces. So after our first meeting with the puppies we went back home to pray about what we should do.
That evening we took a walk with our two dogs and I was just yearning with all my heart to know what would be best for all of us. The image of the puppies was very fresh in my mind and there was one little female shepherd mix in particular that was calling to me. But I so wanted to be able to be sure that adopting her would turn out well. Our pug and collie are so good and sweet and deserved to have a little brother or sister just as special as they are. Clearly, I had a lot of fear and a burdening sense of responsibility regarding this decision that almost made me want to just give up and stick with our family as it was, rather than risk a change that could turn out badly.
While we were walking, I found myself humming the tune of a hymn. As I became aware of this, I started to pay more attention and I realized it was the tune to Hymn 459: “Come, Gracious Spirit.” I then sang aloud the words of one of the verses:
"The light of Truth to us display,
That we may know and choose Your way;
Plant holy joy in every heart,
That we from You may ne'er depart,
Plant joy in every heart."
“Boy, that sure fits,” I thought. “That's exactly what I'm praying to do: to know and choose Your way.” Then it was just as though the proverbial lightbulb went on over my head. Of course! That was my answer! "Plant holy joy in every heart; that we from You may ne'er depart!" The whole situation became instantly clear to me. That was my test, my way of knowing whether the decision I was considering was right. Holy joy! And as quickly as I realized this, I knew that was exactly what I was feeling. Beneath the anxiety to make a good decision there was the most peaceful, happy, holy joy when I thought of those shepherd mix puppies.
I was so delighted and relieved! I savoured this answer for a few moments and then shared it with my husband. And the very next afternoon we drove back to the shelter, picked out our puppy; the very same little girl that had touched my heart; and brought her home. I just have to report that from the very moment we first brought her inside our home we knew it was meant to be. We've never had a new pet introduction go so smoothly. It was as if our other two dogs had already known her for years. They were delighted with her! And she was so sweet and respectful with them. The prayer that went into my choice continued to guide me as I navigated those first few weeks with our new family member, helping to quiet any anxiety that arose. I just kept reminding myself that this had been God's choice for us, and that I could trust that.
Her presence in our home has continued to be a blessing since that first day. She is extremely intelligent, trainable, obedient, lively, affectionate, sweet, and has a charming sense of humour and zest for life. She has been everything I could have wished for and more. In fact, she has been the most wonderful dog we've ever owned, and I can't imagine life without her. I have a very precious relationship with her that I wouldn't trade for anything.
Even more than this, though, I am so grateful for the angel message of listening for holy joy that God plants in every heart. This lesson has shown me that I can indeed hear God's voice if I trust Him and listen earnestly. It has also shown me that I can trust myself! That my desire to do only what is right is the sign that my motives are pure. That I'm not separate from God and that listening for an answer is as close as listening to my own heart. This lesson has helped me make peace with difficult decisions I've made in the past, as well as giving me gentle guidance when I feel conflicted about making a choice. It is still a work in progress, but I can't wait to see where this angel message will lead me next.