mules Archives - Growing Through God's Word

Am I Mule-ish?

Photo by Joe Schneid, Louisville, KY

A sturdy, tall-eared mule hauled the wagon on which I rode. His driver asked me what sound a mule makes, then saucily informed me it was a ‘brinny’—a mixture of the ‘bray’
of his father and ‘whinny’ of his mother. While mules may be known for their sure-footedness and even temper, there is something about them we are instructed to avoid.

The Psalmist, David, quotes God as saying:

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you” (Psalm 32:8,9, NIV).

I say I want God’s guidance in my life. I claim to want to know His will for me. I profess to trust His counsel given in the Word. But just how deeply am I willing for life-change to happen, if that was prerequisite to God’s guidance? Do I act like I need to be moved by bit and bridle?

Earlier in the Psalm, David describes his own life experience: he discovers something essential to a deeper understanding of God’s interest in the internal affairs of our lives. David comes to realize the need for complete honesty with God, especially in the arena of confession of sin. He learns he has been mule-like, tending to move in the direction of his own preferences.

We are not dumb beasts. God does not want to externally control us.

God wants to invest His divine qualities into the heart of our being,
moving us from the inside out. (tweet this)

Like David, we must daily realize our need to submit to God’s will for us. We must confess sin. We must open our spirit, soul and body to His ways. Then He will be free to move us in life-changing ways.

David sums it up well: “Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you…”

Let’s be the people we were designed to be, and let mules be mules.

Sue Hitchman

Sue seeks to integrate the adventure of following Christ with her roles as wife, mother of five, co-leader of a women’s Bible study group and parent prayer group, and retreat speaker. She is a member of The Word Guild and NCWA. Outdoor pursuits (cycling, gardening, hiking, & kayaking) remind her of God’s creative bent and constant presence. She writes to encourage others in their journey of faith in God. Visit her blog at: Word Made Flesh