Casey Reds (#349 of 365+)

“Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle” (Psalm 32:9)

Casey Reds was a beautiful quarter horse that belonged to Joni’s sister. He
was badly mistreated when he was young so Kathy needed to put blinders on him whenever she rode him. Joni still remembers the sadness in his eyes… I have a lot in common with that horse because I had a few tough experiences during my childhood but I’m so different because I’m not a simple creature—I’m a human being created in God’s image that he has re-created by clothing me in Christ, and filling with his Spirit. I don’t have to be like Casey Reds. I can choose not to give up. I can choose not to live in sadness for the rest of my days. I must not give up and live in sadness no matter what because that would dishonor the One who went to great lengths to make all things possible for me.

“Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24)

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7)

The Lord wants everyone to fully grasp the generous grace he’s shown us through Jesus Christ. Our salvation is an all-inclusive package that contains peace, contentment, hope, joy, and healing. If any part of my life can’t be characterized as containing “peace, contentment, hope, joy, or healing”—and there are a few now that I think of it—then it’s time to do some deep soul-searching. I should find out why I’ve kept them hidden away from God and I need to ask him to fill and heal every area of my life.

“[Turn] your ear to wisdom and [apply] your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:2-5)

Lord, you know what I’m going to say before the words are on my lips but today I struggle to find the words. But you already know… You know why I was anxious and couldn’t sleep well. You heard my groanings and you understood my mumbled prayers when I pleaded with you from a semi-dream state. I pray that you will answer soon so I may find the peace I’m searching for. May your will be done. Amen.