Are You As Stubborn As A Mule?

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. ~ Psalm 32:8-10

We learn from these verses that God will instruct us and teach us the way that we should go. He will guide us with his eye! He is willing to impart to us wisdom and guidance. He wants to direct all our paths.

Interestingly, He also tells us to not be like a horse or mule. What does He mean by that?

In order to get a horse or mule to follow your lead and do as you are directing it to do, you must use a bit or bridle on it. The former will inflict a slight pain under the animal's tongue. These instruments are necessary to control the animal.

Why?

Because the animal has a will of it's own. He may stubbornly want to go in his own direction. Yet, a slight tug on the bit and bridle will prompt the large beast to comply to your will and go the direction you desire. He can be made willing to follow your lead.

God doesn't want us to be like that. He doesn't want to have to use a 'bit' or 'bridle' on us, so to speak, in order to make us willing to follow His lead. He wants us to be willing of our own accord. He wants us to humbly submit to His guidance and instruction. He does not want us to be as the horse or as the mule.

Are you willing surrendered to God's guidance and leadership or are you being as stubborn as a mule?