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"...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." (Hebrews 12:2a NIV)
My daughter’s dog is a barker. Once he gets focused on something to yap about, it is difficult to get him to stop. Using a bark collar, which emits a tiny shock when he barks, is quite effective. Without the collar however, the barking spells continue, robbing our walks of peaceful enjoyment.
I have recently discovered though, that there is another way to break the spell of this negative habit. I am employing a command, which has been effective with my own dogs for years. When Tonys’ barking erupts, I speak firmly and clearly to him, these words: Tony, look at me. I find that it only takes two to three repeat commands until he looks at me and stops barking. Once I have his attention, calling him over, I give him hugs and head rubbings. Then I tell him what a good dog he is, and no more barking. Amazingly it is working. Once his attention is focused on me, and the positive re-enforcement that it brings, the barking spell is broken and we are able to joyfully resume a quiet and peaceful walk.
Often times our daily walks, through this world, can also be robbed of inner peace and joy if we allow ourselves to fall under the spell of all the negativity, discouraging events and predictions yapping and barking forth from our phones, televisions, computers, radios and social gatherings. Much like Tony, we too need to learn to refocus our attention on something more positive and encouraging.
Helen H. Lemmel in 1918 understood this need in people’s lives when she wrote these beautiful words:
"O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Savior
And life more abundant and free
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace"
(Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus by Helen H. Lemmel)
When we turn our eyes upon Jesus and away from the barking and yapping of this world, the things of this world, with all their negativity, truly do grow strangely dim in the light of the truths Christ shares with us. God has a plan for this world, as well as for each and every one of us and it is a good plan. So, let us not become discouraged and fall under the spell of this worlds’ doom, gloom and fear mongering ways. Let us break its spell by focusing upon God’s promises, predictions and the future joy of eternity that are promised to all who trust and believe in Christ as Lord and Saviour. As we do so, our daily walking in this world will once again become a time of inner peace and enjoyment.
Prayer: Father God, remind us to focus our hearts and minds upon You and Your truths, ahead of the yapping and barking of this world around us. In Christ’s name. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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