Labrador Angel

Thanks for joining us for this Sunday edition of Our Daily Bread. Today's reading, titled Labrador Angel, was written by Monica LaRose. In 2019, Cap Dashwood and his sweet black lab companion, Shailah Shae, in memory of his lab who died, La Dashwood's abbreviation for Labrador Angel, accomplished something remarkable, reaching a mountain summit each day for 365 consecutive days. Dashwood has a moving story to tell.

He left home at 16, explaining simply bad family life. But these past wounds led him to find healing elsewhere. He explains, sometimes when you're disappointed by people, you turn to something else, you know? For Dashwood, mountain climbing and the unconditional love of his black lab companion has been a big part of that something else. For those of us, like myself, who deeply love our animal companions, a big piece of why we do is the sweet, utterly unconditional love they pour out, a kind of love that's rare.

But I like to think that the love they effortlessly give points to a much greater and deeper reality than the failures of others, God's unshakable, boundless love upholding the universe. In Psalm 143, as in many of his prayers, it's only David's faith in that unshakable, unfailing love that tethers him to hope in a time when he feels utterly alone. But a lifetime walking with God gives him just enough strength to trust that morning will. Bring me word of your unfailing love, just enough hope to trust again and to let God lead the way to paths unknown. Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is Psalm 143.

Lord, hear my prayer. Listen to my cry for mercy. In your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.

Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you. The enemy pursues me. He crushes me to the ground. He makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me. My heart within me is dismayed.

I remember the days of long ago. I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you. I thirst for you like a parched land.

Answer me quickly, Lord. My spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your good spirit lead me on level ground. For your name's sake, Lord, preserve my life. In your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. In your unfailing love, silence my enemies.

Destroy all my foes, for I am your servant. Let's pray. Loving God, thank you that despite the wounds and hurts we experience, healing is possible. Thank you for showing us how to believe in love and joy again. Help us and give us opportunities to be a channel for that hope for others. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Thanks for listening. I'm Alisha Reisinger, and today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.