Discover His heart: He watches and advises us as He guides us on our best path
If I made a list of the things I like least about going to the dentist, it would be difficult for me to choose my very least favorite aspect. Surely close to the top of the list would be having equipment larger than my mouth shoved in it along with hands, suction devices, and gauze. And usually, this is the moment when the dentist casually asks me a question about my day. Of course, answering is impossible, and nodding could send a drill up my nose, but I will admit I’ve become very adept with eye signals. In this position, we can’t speak, we can’t move, and we know that the dentist is in control of things.
I’ve wondered if this is somewhat how horses feel when their owners choose to use a bit in their mouths and a bridle to control them. From what I understand, when basic training steps are given and followed by the horse because of its trust in the trainer, a smaller, less offensive bit can be used to guide and direct the horse or even no bit at all. If these steps are not followed or if the horse has lived in the wild for some time, the will of the horse is more difficult to train and often more severe bits are needed. It just seems that trusting and following the guidance given in the first place would save a lot of pain and discomfort, not only for horses but for us as well.
@ Psalm 32
“The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’” (8) When I was a young girl, the Lord directed me to this treasured verse at a time of uncertainty. The thought that God, the One who knows my future, would guide me along the best pathway for me brought tremendous peace to my young heart because I knew He could be trusted.
David’s quote from the Lord goes on to say, “Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”(9) The bit is restrictive and causes a measure of pain if resisted, but in time the animal learns to respond to its direction. Just as with the horse, when we come under the Lord’s training, He sometimes will use even more purposeful means to challenge us to surrender to His gentle guidance. How much better it is to trust our guide and trainer from the start!
Just as thrilling as His guidance is the fact that He promises to advise and watch over us. God doesn’t just set a course and expect us to go it alone. No, not our Guide. He watches over each step, taking care that we don’t stumble. The success of the popular horse whisperers of today is in the relationship that develops through trust – man and animal alike. And it is through a trusted relationship that the Lord whispers cautions and comforts to help us along the way. What a great alternative to mouth gear!
Moving Forward: Since those early years, the Lord has proven over and over again that He will guide me along the best pathway, watching, advising and often carrying me in the process. Yes, I will trust Him today!
Tomorrow @ Job 21-22
Phyllis Benigas 