Psalm 32:8-10 NKJV
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.
Many sorrows shall be to the wicked;
But he who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall surround him.
These scriptures speak of two ways we can choose to be led by God. The first is by bit and bridle like an unruly horse, and the other is simply by his eye.
Being guided by God’s eye didn’t mean much to me until I had an experience with my Filipina helper, Delia. (Having lived in the Philippines and traveled in different countries doing missions work, I have learned much about other cultures and people groups.) Delia lived with us for a few of years. During that time we developed more than just an employer/employee relationship, we became friends. Learning from each other, I taught her to cook food American style; she taught me to get along well in her culture.
One day my husband and I served in our home a large group of North American young people. My eyes scanned the crowd of guests when I spotted Delia holding a tray of glasses filled with refreshing tropical juice, ready to serve. She spoke no words but her eyes had been fixed intently on me, she was waiting for my instructions. All I had to do was give her the signal and she would begin serving. She was waiting for my eyes to guide her. There was no need for me to shout above the din of the crowd. We knew each other. All I had to do was look at those needing drinks and she followed my lead.
Being led by the eye…simple and effective.
The leading by bit and bridle, on the other hand, is not a pleasant experience. For horses it is expected, it’s how they respond best. However God made us different from a horse and He is not pleased to lead us that way. If it’s the only way we will listen then He loves us enough to put the pressure on.
- So basically it’s my choice and yours. What will it be today? Will we choose to take the time to meditate on God’s word and talk with Him, looking to Him to instruct us? Will we lay down our own plans and let God direct our day, guiding us with His eye?
I know what I plan to do…
Unto You I lift up my eyes,
O You who dwell in the heavens.
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters,
As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
So our eyes look to the LORD our God,
Until He has mercy on us. Psalm 123:1-2 NKJV
