“One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.” Ps. 27:4

Many years ago, we had a furry family member named Zoey—a sweet golden-retriever who I called our “angel dog”. She came to us in a miraculous way for free at a time when we were experiencing re-entry stress returning to the U.S. during days of economic hardship and isolation (2010). At two years old, coming from an abusive previous home, she was as glad to join us as we were to have her.

She became our constant companion, joining us wherever we went. Not only did she follow us, she also took the initiative to seek out our company, and stayed by us, never getting tired of our company. When we left for places she couldn’t join, she’d accept that stoically. But oh, what a welcome when we returned— bounding up to us with excited, happy, barking upon our arrival, then bringing a “gift” of a ball or one of our socks or slippers in her mouth and dropping it at our feet.

She also loved to snuggle affectionately with us, even trying to fit all 65 lbs. of herself onto our lap. We’d do our best to accommodate her, enjoying that snuggling as much as she did. Once settled, she’d breathe a contented sigh of “this is where I belong”.

Though she missed us when we were apart, she didn’t have separation anxiety. She knew and trusted we’d be back. She just truly enjoyed our company and chose to remain with us whenever possible. We felt honored and delighted by her contentment in our presence, initiative in seeking us out, and loyalty in staying by our side.

What a wonderful model of how we need and can relate to our Trinity-God— Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! Except we have it even better because He never leaves us! If we feel distant and/or separated from Him it’s because we went off somewhere due to busyness, shame, feeling let down by Him, distraction, disinterest, etc.

Imagine life as His constant companion. We’d have uninhibited conversation, broken only by moments of comfortable silence. We’d never be afraid of approaching Him, no matter what, never fearing His rejection, counting on this Scriptural truth:

“’For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’” Rom. 8:38-39

We’d seek Him out, not letting any distraction, busyness, or higher priorities keep us apart, because His company would be our highest priority. We wouldn’t lose interest in Him. We’d go to and stay with Him because we trust Him. There, we’d find perfect peace, knowing He’s taking the best and complete care of all that really matters.

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock.” Is. 26:3-4

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Mat. 6:33

Since His “lap” is unlimited and open to us, we can climb up on it anytime, basking in His presence with a contented “sigh”. And we’d have the joy of assurance that He delights in our company even more than we delight in His.

“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zeph. 3:17

Other times, we’d get all excited when He manifests His loving presence—through His Word, something He shows us, an act of intervention on our behalf, something in creation, music, art, etc. It’s as if He’s “arrived”, even though He’s always there.

And, just like Zoey, many of us come from abusive homes and destructive pasts that have marred us in some way. Even those of us who come from the best homes still didn’t have perfect parents and likely experienced dysfunction of our own doing as well. Thankfully we who have become His children have been adopted into His perfect home. As He is our constant Companion, so we can be His.

“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” 1 Chron. 16:11