Do You Need a Leash

Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle.

Psalm 32:9

Our dog can be very stubborn, and we have truly dropped the ball in training him on walks. He strains and pulls against the leash with all his strength, dragging us along. Because of the leash, we can keep him where we want him to go. Without the leash and treats, he would be all over the neighborhood.

Sometimes believers behave in a similar manner. God promised in Psalm 32:8 that “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” It’s a treasured promise. However, He expects us to follow His instructions without having to be controlled with leashes. Leashes (or bit and bridles) are things that force us to get on the right path because we are unwilling to follow God’s instructions.

Leashes could be trials or roadblocks that make us stop and consider if we are following after God or our own desires. These methods of discipline aren’t meant to hurt us but to help us grow up spiritually. The Lord loves us, and He disciplines in the way that is necessary to get our attention.

Unlike animals, which need bit and bridle for them to go the right direction, we have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. He guides us into all truth when we submit our hearts to obey God’s word. He wants us to live and serve with generous joy, not with a leash around our necks. When we consider the cost of Christ’s death and resurrection for our sins, we can’t help but respond faithfully and obediently to His instructions.