Barking dogs! This year I have been inundated with them! A dog is one of man’s best friends and can give comfort, love, companionship and protection just to name a few of their attributes. However, if the dog perceives a person as a threat, it can be terrifying.
I live across the street from a man that owns Great Pyrenees and Akbash. They are guard dogs that watch over his sheep and goats. You have to look closely to distinguish the dogs from the herd. The problem is they see me as a threat even though I stay close to my side of the road and don’t go near their fence. When I jog by his property, they come running and barking from the dark wooded pasture. Even though there is a fence, my fear is they will bound over and attack!
As I have pondered this particular event, it began to remind me of my own “barking dog”. I don’t mean my Boston Terrier, Winnie. I am referring to the thoughts that bark at me as I am tending to the tasks that I have been assigned—things that God has put in my heart to do.
Just like my neighbor’s dog, the “barking” attack comes suddenly, by surprise out of the darkness. For me the “barking dog” comes in the form of worry, accusations of being imperfect, not enough, self doubt, etc… If I choose to listen to these allegations, it weighs me down and impedes my progress for the kingdom of God.
How does your “barking dog” come to you? What thoughts and fears does it conjure up in your mind? How does choosing to listen to the barking affect you and those around you? And again, the ultimate question—when will this “barking dog” be silenced?
If you are like me, the “barking dog” stops when I go to the Master. It is when I:
- Choose to shut out the annoyance of the bark.
- Focus my attention on God.
- Look to God’s word.
- Listen to what God whispers to my soul.
- Believe what He said is true and that He is leading in every area of my life.
Then peace comes. The next step is illuminated. The “barking dog” is silenced.
My challenge to you is, as to myself, set aside time alone to listen to the Master. Write down what you hear so that you will remember. Be intentional, be focused on what God is saying to you so that your “barking dog” is silenced. And when the dog comes bounding out of the blackness again, as he will, you will be ready.
