“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding. Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you.” – Psalm 32:8-9

The Lord both encourages and pleads in the above quoted verses. He first shares how eager He is to direct His children, how earnestly He desires to save them from the pain of stumbling along confused and off course. He then pleads for them not to fight Him in the process. “Do not be like the horse or mule which must be harnessed with bit and bridle,” He says. I have done some horseback riding in my day and can testify to the frustration of an unruly animal. Neither stead nor rider enjoy the journey. The experience is a constant battle of wills. Dear friend, are you fighting God? He desires only your good, be assured of that. Do not fight, rather follow. Do not frustrate your Maker, do not frustrate the One who bled and died to set you free. The direction in which He leads you ends in pleasant pastures. Listen for His voice, obey His word, pursue what pleases Him. Draw near to Him and He shall draw near to you.