"Good Horses"

I would say, don’t sell the horse,

Though Dad would disagree, of course,

He got ‘em gone fast as they came,

If there was any need to train.

He wouldn’t keep a snorty mount,

But one that worked to make time count,

A gatherin’ those we had to pen,

Or doctor cattle sick back then.

‘Cause Dad was not a cowboy, see,

But a cattleman in business, he,

All equine were there to work,

And God knows they should never shirk.

So I was grown before I saw,

Anyone lay down the law,

With a horse that wouldn’t load,

Or one a spur would have to goad.

We rode good horses way back then,

I took for granted horse and men,

But found some that I couldn’t trust,

And learned the hard way what I must.

Years passed ‘fore we raised a colt,

And had to teach one not to bolt,

And then I saw the value of,

One finished right, you gotta love.

And I find there a lesson true,

‘Bout how we live and what we do,

Life is better when we know,

Trust for those with whom we go.

Whether man or beast you see,

We need safe security,

To team with those to get things done,

And never from a challenge run.

“But Jesus didn’t trust them, because He knew about all people. No one needed to tell Him about human nature, for He knew what was in each person’s heart.” (John 2:24-25, NLT)

We are called by God to love everyone, even our enemies. But that does not mean God expects us to trust them. If we have discernment when dealing with people, life will be more productive and peaceful. If we continually trust people who are unfaithful, we set ourselves up for constant disappointment. The Lord will help us to set godly boundaries in our relationships, and find people who are safe enough to become spiritual partners. Otherwise, love everyone, but do not let unworthy people control or influence us.

Lord, help us find the right partners, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Kenneth Wyatt, kennethwyatt.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Kenneth, and God bless you.