The Bit and the Bridle
Even as I grow older, I often wonder why God allowed my father to die before I was born. It is then that I realize I would not have relied on my Heavenly Father in the same way if my earthly father had lived. I have learned the hard way that I need to go to the Lord first, not last, to fight my battles, and the results are not always positive when I try to do life on my own. I recently came across a verse that convicted me:
“Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you” (Psalm 32:9).
I realized that was me for many years.
I was the horse.
Instead of being proactive by seeking my Father’s counsel every morning, I let circumstances guide me: job loss, family issues, and bad decisions. God had to allow pressure, or the bit and the bridle, to move me in the direction he needed me to go. While I had a quiet time, it was what our pastor calls a “drive through” quiet time. I read a quick passage from the Bible, did some speedy prayers, then it was over. There was no window for listening so God could provide counsel.
Maybe this describes your time with the Lord?
Does God have to move you using a bit and bridle?
Spending quality time alone with God is a sacrifice. You may have to get up earlier. I have to admit, I did not want to drag myself out of bed this morning, but I knew I needed a word from God for this blog. You have to carve out time to listen.
What is bothering you today?
Where do you need help?
I have found when we take it to God, the answer often comes through his Word, or the soft voice of the Holy Spirit.
Are you heartbroken?
Reach out to God alone.
Are your loved ones letting you down?
Realize they are human and reach out to God alone.
Do you feel weak?
God alone can give you supernatural strength.
I believe the Lord allows an empty spot in our hearts so we seek him. For me it was the absence of an Earthly Father. I tried to fill that void with other relationships, but no one else has been able to fill the hole in my heart but God alone.
Will you give him more time today? Will you run free with him, so the bit and bridle can be discarded?
God Alone
It’s God alone.
He is my strength,
He is the first, the last I go to
When I’m in need.
There’s no one else
Who fills His shoes,
I give my life, my soul
To Him, the one I choose.
When life goes south
And when I doubt,
I turn back to the God,
who knows me inside out.
CHORUS
God alone.
He’s there you see.
While others fail,
I cling to God who comforts me.
God alone.
He transcends space.
When I reach out to Him
He meets me in the Secret Place.
God alone.
And when I fall he picks me up
And when I’m hurt, he heals my heart,
He is my rock in times of trial
Oh I pray I won’t depart from…
God alone.
He’s there you see.
While others fail,
I cling to God who comforts me.
God alone.
He transcends space.
When I reach out to Him
He meets me in the Secret Place.
God alone. (LBW)