Stay Near

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.

Psalm 32:9

I met a remarkable horse I called Lovey recently. She was clearly trained to draw near and stay near when called. She looked me in the eye as she stood still, right beside me, waiting for my instruction. Her gentleness was profoundly strong.

I stood with my forehead leaning on Lovey’s broad cheek for a long time, soaking in her strength and stillness. Somehow she strengthened and comforted me. Lovey had obviously trusted her trainer enough to draw near and stay near.

Martha, on the other hand, the resident donkey on the farm, preferred her own counsel and understanding. If she was hungry, she would hee-haw her demands while stomping and fretting at a distance. When called, she always made sure she was in charge and had enough safe distance to back off in a flash if needed. Although she was curious, Martha didn’t trust me. She was bossy and adorable, but distant.

We can be a Lovey or a Martha. God has given us much power, the power to choose.

The Lord, wisest of all trainers, invites us to come near. If we will #trust Him and stay near, He will instruct us and teach us in the way we should go. Share on X

He will counsel us patiently, faithfully, justly, lovingly, with mercy and grace, His eye constantly upon us. 

This kind of training cultivates profound strength and stillness. Others will be drawn to us. Some may even want to stay near awhile and gain strength and comfort for their own journeys.

I want to be a Lovey, Lord.

Lord, I choose to stay near You. Amen.

@audreycfrank