Horses have been used by mankind for centuries: they have been trained and employed in myriad ways. Horses provide travelers aid, power farmers’ plows, help soldiers fight, carry burdens and manage herds. Parents employ horses to teach children responsibility while building physical and relational skills. Of course, millions simply use horses for pleasure and enjoyment. Currently, researchers are exploring the utilization of horses for academic and psychological therapy.
With all of those great roles for horses, one assignment surpasses them all: helping establish or restore human beings to relationship with their Creator.
The God of the Bible is a relational God. He created humanity because He loved…and love cannot be fulfilled outside of relationships.
Horses, being herd animals are naturals at relationships. We humans crave connection, but the fall of humanity from connection to God (Genesis 3) impairs every relationship. Often we are blind to the things we do in the context of relationships. Horses reflect what we do not see or feel in ourselves.
Perhaps more importantly, horses and humans share a common desire–a desire a horse understands more than a human. Our craving for connection that arises from our broken relationship with God clouds are thinking. It was at the fall that fear, shame and hiding entered the world. Through that darkness, we pursue relationships. A horse, on the other hand, pursues relationships exactly for the reasons we crave connection: security.
When Adam & Eve chose to walk the path God had forbidden, they lost their security. They also lost the identity God had given them; they chose to create their own. Without their God-given identity, they had to craft their own significance as well. Those two losses–security and significance–continue to plague humanity. Connecting with a horse requires understanding that need from the equine view…which opens eyes to our own needs.
Even people who do not like horses, often want to ‘pet their nose’ and look with awe at their power and strength. Horses, though, aren’t longing for our friendship or worship. They want a leader they can trust. As we engage with a horse to understand its needs, we begin to see our own needs–and the magnificent, costly way God has met every need for us.
Anxiety is the number one mental health issue facing Americans today–Christians included. Join Heartsong Ministries in changing this – click the picture below and visit the Facebook Page for more information!
Finding the Answer to Anxiety
January 28, 2018 – 3:30 – 5:00 PM
Heartsong Ministries 