“Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.” – James 3:3
Today I watched my granddaughter, Ryanna, as she rode her horse, Riddle. This multicolored animal is quite an impressive creature with startling blue eyes and thick muscular legs that only give a hint of the power they possess. When he stands by Ryanna, he seems so huge to me. It’s quite an impressive feat to see her control such a majestic animal. Riddle dwarfs Ryanna, yet with just a gentle tug on the reins or nudge in the side, he goes wherever she wants him to go.
I wish I was more like Riddle when it comes to my relationship with God. It frequently takes a lot more than a small nudge or tug to get me to do what He wants. Many times, I desire my own way, and I ignore the gently prodding of the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 tells me, “Quench not the Spirit.” Instead, I am to yield myself to the Spirit of God, and allow Him to lead me along life’s paths. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)
When God holds the reins of my life, I can “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established” (Proverbs 4:26), all the while trusting God to direct my steps to walk on His paths of righteousness. Psalm 23:3 reminds me that God “… leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” When I fight against the Holy Spirit and insist upon my own way, I stand a good chance of encountering trouble. Proverbs 4:27 warns, “Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil,” but on my own, with no one to guide me, it becomes too easy to veer off in the wrong direction, stumble, or even fall prey to the temptations of the world and its sin.
In order to walk according to the ways of the Lord, I must “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” I learn His ways through His Word and the illumination of it by His Spirit. When a horse trusts its rider, it will follow instructions even if it is something it has never done before. When Ryanna leads Riddle on an unfamiliar trail, he trusts her to lead him safely along. I must do the same with God. When I am in situations that are foreign to me and I am unsure of what to do, I must allow the Holy Spirit to lead me. I know He will not lead me astray, and I can trust Him completely.
Today, I watched Riddle amble over to Ryanna when he saw her by the pasture fence. This was another demonstration of trust. A horse will readily approach its rider when trust has been established. As a child of God, I desire to be in His presence because I know He cares for me and only wants the best for me. “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37) I know when I seek God, I will find Him! “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:” (Isaiah 55:6)
Additionally, when Riddle is agitated, it is Ryanna’s soothing voice that relaxes the horse. The voice of the one in whom the horse trusts settles the animal. That is the same for me. When I am fearful or anxious, I long to hear God’s peaceful voice, calming my soul. Sometimes He speaks to me through His Word; sometimes it’s through a song; sometimes it’s just His still small voice that quiets my heart. When God speaks, I must be sure to listen for this is when I will experience His divine comfort, joy, and peace. “I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.” (Psalm 85:8)
As a child of God, I must allow Him to lead me through life. “Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” (Psalm 139:10) With His hands firmly on the reins of my life, I am assured that my steps will be ordered by Him and kept on the paths of righteousness. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” (Psalm 37:23)
Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
(from “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” by Thomas Dorsey)
“Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.” – Psalm 32:9
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It’s good to be held in the palm of God’s hand.