He answered, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, ‘Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.’ But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” II Samuel 12:22-23 NIV
Who would have thought the death of my dog, Danni, would shake me to the very core of my being? I am hanging on by a thread and my faith is the only thing I cling to but it seems so very fragile and far, far away. I know God loves me but I feel so utterly and devastatingly alone.
I prayed. No, that is a lie. I do not have the energy or gumption to form words and sentences in prayer. My unspoken thoughts were answered with the above scripture by a loving God who knows what I need before I ask.
II Samuel 12 records the account of King David after Nathan the prophet goes to him to reveal his sin with Bathsheba. Nathan tells David that God has taken away his sin but the consequences are that their son would die (verses 13-14). As soon as Nathan left, the child was taken ill. David pleaded with God on behalf of the boy. He fasted and prayed, laying in sackcloth on the ground.
After seven days, David’s child died. Everyone was afraid to tell David of his death because he had been so despondent. They feared he might do something desperate but upon hearing his son had died, David got up from the ground. He washed, changed clothes and immediately ate. All around him were surprised and asked the King why he acted like this? His reply is our verse today, “Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live. But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”
A funk is a state of depression. I am in a funk and I do not believe I am alone as daily circumstances, disappointments, and tragedies are faced by each of us. We can hold up after suicide, illnesses and suddenly the death of your beloved dog sends you over the edge.
The Bible is filled with everyday people facing everyday things. With God’s help, we can get up off the ground. We will wash, change our clothes and eat to survive because our God is able. He is able to sustain us. He is able to hear our unspoken cry. He is not far, far away. He is right there in the middle of your funk waiting to lift you up. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).
Just Another Dog Devotion 