Only a Happy Dog lets her Tail do the Wagging

The tail wagging the dog. This expression reminds me of our family pet not long ago. Exuberant jubilee was a good way to describe our Lab who elevated “happy” to a new level. I know most all Labradors are extremely friendly, but this one would wag her tail with so much enthusiasm and glee that her whole body would follow the back-and-forth movement. Her tail was wagging so hard that it was as if “the tail was wagging the dog.” Maybe some of you have had a dog that did the same thing. So, when you hear someone say, “This is a case of the tail wagging the dog,” there is an understanding that something is backwards in some way. Obviously, we all know that the tail is not supposed to wag the dog.

How does this relate to my Spiritual Life?

However, I got to thinking; does the tail wagging the dog apply to our spiritual day to day journey? Many times, our spiritual life can get turned around backwards, and more times than not it is when we try and do things “my way” instead of God’s way. My way, at times, is driven by expectations, desires, needs, and sometimes… selfishness. God’s way is not like that. Isaiah 55:8-9 defines the difference; “Indeed, my plans are not like your plans, and my deeds are not like your deeds,” says the Lord, “for just as the sky is higher than the earth, so my deeds are superior to your deeds and my plans superior to your plans.”

How to let the dog wag the tail.

So, the question arises. How do I let the dog wag the tail, instead of letting the tail wag the dog? I must hold fast that the Holy Spirit leads me to all truth (John 14:17) and dwells within me. When I don’t have a definite answer, I can trust that the Spirit within me will provide what I need to make any decision with a clear and faithful heart. I need to trust in the plans God has for me (Jeremiah 29:11). I may not feel secure through life’s darkest times, and that’s okay. God doesn’t expect me to fake a smile when I am facing trials and turmoil. Alternatively, He offers me His presence for peace and comfort. Then have assurance that everything will work out according to His plan (Ephesians 1:11). When I show God my willingness to trust Him in every situation, I become a part of that greater purpose. My friends, it takes an intentional daily relationship with God to keep His plan foremost in our hearts. As soon as we let our guard down, “my way” rears its ugly head and the temptations of the world consume our mind. So, when things in your life are in a disarray and the tail is wagging the dog, keep trusting in God’s ways. Keep taking one obedient step after another. God is present, His plan is still good, and He can be trusted to guide us all when our path becomes uncertain. Be still and let the dog wag the tail. Dear Lord, may my will become your will. Amen.