The Harness Of God

Psalm 32:9 – 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. (NKJV)

Twice each day, my dog Gabby will come to me with bated breath, wanting her walk around the community. However because of her breed, (part Australian Shepherd and part Beagle), she requires a harness. This is because cattle dogs are a high-energy type that needs lots of exercise, and beagles are strong-minded, insisting on going their own way.

The procedure of our walk goes like this. First, I have to get the harness over her head, which requires great patience and dexterity, as she weaves her head back and forth to avoid it. When she is hooked up with a leash, out we go.

That's where the fun begins. As we stroll down the sidewalk, I hope that a squirrel or another dog doesn't cross our path, or I'll end up in a massive tug-of-war to keep control of this determined little so-and-so. Eventually, it's full steam ahead as we quick-walk down the street. That is, until she has this sudden urge to sniff. Then it's to the left, then to the right; and on garbage day, the neighbour's garbage cans are an irresistible temptation. It takes all my strength to keep Gabby on track until we arrive safely at home.

Thinking about this, I realized some parallels in our journey with the Lord. Isn't it true, also, that God has often needed to put a harness on us? Think, for example, about some of the decisions that we make impulsively, without consulting the Lord. What about our wandering between worldly and godly values in our thinking and approach to life?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help us in our walk with You, that we will be able to resist the attractions and temptations of the world. Lord, may we not need a harness, but rather exercise the fruit of the Spirit of self-control in our daily lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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