Robert C. Solomon, an American-born philosopher and author once remarked: “Trust is not bound up with knowledge so much as it is with freedom, the openness to the unknown.” Proverbs 3:5 states: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Galatians 5:1 confirms: “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
Trust could be said to have a symbiotic relationship with freedom, without one the other is difficult to find. Trust is defined as a firm belief in the reliability, truth or ability of someone or something. Freedom is defined as the state of being unrestricted and able to move easily. Henry Graham Greene, an English writer and journalist once remarked: “It is impossible to go through life without trust: that is to be imprisoned in the worst cell of all, oneself.”
There are several reasons why we need to trust in God throughout our lives. To name just two: Firstly, God sees all and knows all. He can advise us as to the best way forward in times of trial or adversity. Secondly, if we trust in God, then absolutely anything is possible in life with His help. Goals that we may desire and think are unattainable may well come to fruition under His guidance. Isaiah 26:3-4 reminds us: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”
Freedom is paramount to all. Without it, we may feel constrained, unable to do as we please and experience severe inhibition. Freedom defines how we live, it allows us to speak our minds, be creative in ourselves, it permits us to love one another and most importantly, to love God. Freedom protects us from self-imprisonment and possibly discrimination from others. We may live a peaceful life without harassment and conflict. Isaiah 61:1 reminds us: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.”
Many children have a yearning to ride horses. Owning a pony of their own would probably be the fulfilment of their dreams. The exhilaration and freedom experienced by riding through fields with the wind blowing through their hair are quite enthralling. Amber Senti, a horse lover, once remarked: “The horse, with beauty unsurpassed, strength immeasurable and grace unlike any other, still remains humble enough to carry a man upon his back.”
Horses are used for many different purposes. They are described as large plant-eating mammals with solid hoofs and a flowing mane and tail. They are often domesticated and used for the purposes of riding, racing and pulling heavy loads. However, they may also be wild. Many years ago before the introduction of mechanised farm machinery, they were frequently used to aid in ploughing the land. They are still used in equestrian contests such as show jumping, dressage and other related events. Job 39:19-23 reminds us: “Do you give the horse his might? Do you clothe his neck with a mane? Do you make him leap like the locust? His majestic snorting is terrifying. He paws in the valley and exults in his strength; he goes out to meet the weapons. He laughs at fear and is not dismayed; he does not turn back from the sword. Upon him rattle the quiver, the flashing spear, and the javelin.”
Horses are social creatures who often relate well to human-kind. No matter how rebellious they may appear at an initial meeting through fear, once a person has gained a horse’s trust, they can become good friends and build strong bonds and relationships. They can instil calmness and serenity in a person. Sharon Ralls Lemon, the author of “The Ultimate Horsebook” once remarked: “The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit and freedom.”
Horses are considered extremely intelligent and sensitive animals. They appear to have an uncanny ability to relate to the emotions of their owners or companions. In many religions, the horse represents the symbols of wisdom and freedom. Much has been written about horses and spirituality. It is a common fact that they hold much power and stamina combined with considerable speed.
Horses have been significantly related to freedom. Christ represents both divine activity and freedom. Augustine of Hippo, a theologian and philosopher wrote much about this subject. Some consider that God may advise on activity, but that we retain the freedom of choice. 2 Corinthians 3:17 confirms: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” For those who ride frequently, the assimilation of freedom and calmness is combined. Horse riding and grooming can relieve stress and provide an anti-depressant effect within one. Horse riding is considered a stimulant for the hormone Serotonin which, when released, is known to enhance changes in the mood that may achieve happiness.
Horses come in many breeds and colours, too numerous to mention, but whatever their colour, family or temperament, they are considered by some as divine. They have been deemed as sacred animals associated with a particular deity. It is not known the extent of truth that may be applicable to this belief, but they have certainly been associated with the probability of helping people cope with grief, trauma and emotional pain. Zechariah 6:1-5 states: “Again I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, four chariots came out from between two mountains. And the mountains were mountains of bronze. The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses, the third white horses, and the fourth chariot dappled horses - all of them strong. Then I answered and said to the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?” And the angel answered and said to me, “These are going out to the four winds of heaven, after presenting themselves before the Lord of all the earth.”
Horses can engender humility in humans. Humility is defined as the quality of having a modest or low view of one’s importance. Philippians 2:3- reminds us: “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”
Humility has several benefits, it can help calm an anxious body or mind, it can remove negative thoughts that one may be enduring. The lack of humility in a person can cause more harm than good. With humility, we can not only live in harmony with other people or animals but, we may feel more at peace in ourselves. It can relate to unselfishness, gentleness and thought for others. A horse can exceed these attributes in its own nature, strength and power. A horse, which is an independent creature and depends on no one, could refuse to carry any passengers if it so desired, and yet it happily foregoes this privilege and allows us to use it as a means of conveyance and for other pleasurable purposes. 1 Peter 5:6-11 reminds us: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever.”
Amen.
