“I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle
to keep it under control.”
Psalm 32.7-8 NLT

I was in my senior year in high school and I loved riding horses. A friend said he needed a little help breaking his new horse, so I volunteered. The horse had not been ridden before so I knew I might be in for a “ride.” I jumped on in my best John Wayne imitation and headed for the open field, which was about 200 yards long. I figured that would be plenty of time to do whatever course corrections might be necessary. I was wrong; the horse set the bit in his teeth and headed for the street. I was unable to stop him until he flipped me over on the paved street (with cars coming). I got away with a few cuts and bruises but no major problems.

This verse in Psalms says God wants to guide us along the best pathway, the path He designed us to run on. God wants to advise us and watch over us. The key is we must be willing to be led. A horse that has been properly broken takes very little strength to stop or turn because they are willing to be led. The warning God gives is to not be senseless, instead listen and follow.

I must admit I like the idea of getting direction from God, yet I am too often like the horse or mule. God may be trying to speak to me through my child or maybe my wife, and I reject the messenger and miss God. Sometimes my pride keeps me from the message and God has to put a bit and bridle on me.

QUESTION: How does God lead you? Is a bridle necessary? When was the last time God pricked your conscience and you changed? Is God saying something to you now?