The Meaning of Being Broken

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The Breaking of a Horse

In order to train a horse to be ridden and responsive to its master, its spirit must be “broken.” A wild, untamed horse will buck and kick in order to throw off its rider. It is not naturally accustomed to be ridden. It must be trained to accept it. The purpose of “breaking” is to make the stubborn, reluctant-to-cooperate horse give in quietly and be ridden. Its will must be bent to the trainer’s by a struggle. When breaking a horse, pressure is applied to the horse by the trainer. Naturally, the horse does not like the pressure and moves away from it. But the trainer keeps applying the pressure until the horse does the requested action. The horse learns to follow the pressure in order to release the pressure. Soon, the horse begins to do the requested action as soon as light pressure is applied, and the horse eventually does the requested action by the trainer’s prompting without any pressure at all. The horse receives rewards when it learns something new and does it. The process of breaking is done slowly, carefully, lovingly. Positive reinforcement is important for the horse to gain trust and confidence in its trainer. Too harsh a breaking creates a depressed, catatonic horse. Every horse is of course different, and each requires a different amount of time to be broken. A well broken horse is reliable, not easily startled, and perfectly calm. The trainer does not force to the animal to do more than it is ready for. Any rejection or disapproval from the horse means the trainer must step back and prolong the training, rather than forcing it into obedience. Breaking the horse is just the beginning of training. Generally, once a horse is broken, they will always remember.

The Breaking of a Human

When the Lord breaks us, He applies pressure to us, training us to obey Him. The sooner we learn to follow the pressure rather than fight it, the easier and faster His breaking of us is. We accept His breaking, knowing that it comes from loving hands for the purpose of being usable to Him. He does not overwhelm us with harsh training, but He knows exactly the right amount of breaking each of us need. The result is not a fearful, expressionless slave, but a willing and obedient servant who trusts and loves their master. When we obey, He richly rewards us with faith and a life of peace. We must be broken and bent to Him— it is the only way that we may be broken of our naturally stubborn, rebellious spirits, and transformed into obedient children, usable by their master. Servants who have been broken are reliable and not moved by circumstances. The Lord is free to use them at His disposal whenever He wills.

I was senseless and ignorant;

    I was a brute beast before you.

Yet I am always with you;

    you hold me by my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

    and afterward you will take me into glory.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

    but God is the strength of my heart

    and my portion forever.

Psalm 73:22-26