Lessons About Horses
ã  Copyright A Walk in the Garden Devotionals
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Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen, but we are risen, and stand upright. Save Lord, let the King hear us when we call. (Psalm 20:7-9)

If you have never rode a horse in your lifetime, and plan on doing so, it would be a wise thing to have a skilled rider alongside you. (How about the Holy Spirit!) That’s exactly what was required when some colleagues and I went horseback riding in Costa Rica a few years ago. There we were, some twelve of us, and I got chosen by the ranch owner to ride his wife's horse. The one everyone backed away from. I had previously prayed that the one chosen for me this day would have passed God’s approval. This animal was huge, a beautiful horse! I presumed well-bred and cared for by its master, and me, a mere 110 pounds, about to guide it about. I had purposed at the outset that I would not be intimidated by fear over the size of this animal, so when my name got called and they saddled me up and placed my feet in the stirrups, I was bubbling with excitement and ready to go. I watched as others sat pensively, nervously eyeing their horses. We were given a few brief lessons in horseback riding -- we were pointedly told that if the horse was moving a little too slow, a few kicks would get it going, and if too fast, a little pull on the reins would suffice.

Who but God is capable of leading us forth into the today and tomorrows of our lives? Who but God is cognizant of what lies ahead and around every turn and bend on the road of life? Who but God will lead us to our safe haven? Most assuredly, none but He is able to chart our course and give us total victory.

With a young ranch-hand guarding our rear and the owner riding up front, we took off at a nice trot. The feeling was exhilarating! The clean, fresh morning air, the wind in the trees and muddy puddles and rocks to avoid. We rode along, taking in the vast, verdant fields in the morning sun. I was excited and it showed! My teammates asked if I had done this before, that I seem to have a good rapport with the horse. I chuckled and said I had not. (Little did they know, that all the while, my mind was stayed on God. “For Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee.”)

Shortly thereafter and before I knew what was happening, the animal “accelerated” at a very fast pace. Caught by surprise, I uttered shrieks coupled with a racing heart, but no one seem to notice. Yet I was not overcome by fear. I held on and rode it out. (When the unexpected presents itself in our lives and we don’t know what to do, keep believing and call on the name of the Lord. “I have set the Lord always before me, because He is at my right hand, I will not be not shaken, therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices, my body also rests secure. For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. “ (Psalm 16:8-11.)

I kept reaching up to keep my large, wide-brim hat on my head, but I needed both hands on the reins. I felt the force of the wind snatch my hat as it “sailed” off into the tall blades of grass. (Surely, it’s the Lord at our right hand, no chariots to bail us out, the young ranch-hand rode up when things had settled down!)

Within a few minutes, things returned to normal as we all assembled together under some trees to begin the ride back. We moved at a relatively slow pace, or so I thought! As the ranch house came into view, I felt the horse pick up speed. (Our trials and tests are not intended to destroy us, but to edify us and make us rely all the more on the Lord. As we keep eternity in view, we will gladly run the race, finish our course with joy, and receive the crown of righteousness, which the Lord will give to all who have loved His appearing.)

This time I was enjoying every minute of it, as Adrian, an experienced rider, seeing my excitement and hearing my laughter, came alongside me, and we rode at a brisk pace in unison. The ranch-hand offered to look for my hat, and I kept saying, it’s okay, but he insisted. As we sat down to lunch back at the ranch, there was an outburst of applause and cheers. I looked up and there was the young man coming towards me, hat in hand. I rose to meet him, took it, and graciously said thank you in his native language. (The Lord will restore that which seems lost or stolen in our lives)

At our second horseback outing in a different location, I was given a skinny gray horse named Labada. A very, very slow horse -- he needed a lot of kicks to get him going, but he was an expert at rocky, mountainous terrain. For one of our teammates, her ride was incredible! She shouted for help as she tried to gain control of her horse, both her feet were flapping wildly. None of these horses appeared to be anything compared to the first ones we encountered. Yet the unexpected occurred! We rallied around our friend and later were able to laugh hysterically over dinner as we recalled the days’ events and each of our encounters. I received teamwork recognition for my spirited attitude in the group that day. I hope that when our lives seem to get chaotic, even when we’re dotting our i's and crossing our t's, we’ll pause and consider our lives are in God’s hands, our souls are in His keeping! Don’t put your trust in horses, neither in the arm of flesh. Trust in the Lord, and He shall guide you with His eye!