The king gave this order to all the people: “Celebrate the Passover to the Lord your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant.” Neither in the days of the judges who led Israel nor in the days of the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah had any such Passover been observed. But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, this Passover was celebrated to the Lord in Jerusalem.
- 2 Kings 23:21–23
My human says there’s a big difference between an empty food bowl and a full and grateful heart.
I don’t know all about that, but I do know this:
If my bowl’s empty long enough, I’ll start investigating the counter for scraps, the smells in trash can …or that mysterious casserole the neighbor left on the porch.
A dog’s got to fill the void somehow.
The other day I heard my human reading about King Josiah. After tearing down the idols and cleaning out and destroying the junk that had pulled God’s people away, he didn’t stop there. He called everyone together to celebrate the Passover.
He didn’t just remove what was wrong—he filled the empty place with worship, remembrance, and obedience to God.
That got my tail thumping.
You see, I’ve noticed that when my human quits doing something that’s not good for him, he doesn’t just sit around staring at the wall. He fills that space with prayer, Scripture, writing, serving others, or singing worship songs that might not always on key. (I never howl because they’re bad…I’m just adding harmony.)
I’ve learned that empty places don’t stay empty for long.
Leave a hole in the fence, and I’ll eventually find it.
Leave biscuits on the counter, and I’ll eventually investigate.
Leave a heart empty after sin has been swept out, and something else will eventually try to move in.
That’s why repentance isn’t just about saying goodbye to sin.
It’s’s about saying hello to Jesus.
My human says that’s how folks stay close to God.
Don’t just quit the gossip—fill your mouth with encouragement.
Don’t just stop worrying—fill your mind with God’s promises.
Don’t just walk away from temptation—walk toward Christ.
Otherwise, the old habits know the way home better than an old farm dog knows where the feed bucket’s kept.
King Josiah understood that real revival wasn’t just cleaning house. It was inviting God to dwell there.
Seems to me that’s a pretty good lesson for dogs and people alike.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I just remembered I left a tennis ball under the porch. It’s much better to fill my time chasing that than chasing trouble.
Prayer: Lord, don’t just help me empty my life of sin. Fill every corner of my heart with Your presence, Your Word, and Your Spirit so there is no room left for anything that draws me away from You. Amen.
Keep the Faith… Carpe Diem
