HORSEPOWER OR GOD’S POWER
IN THE YEAR OF THE HORSE
This month, we will be celebrating the Lunar New Year with the Year of the Horse. Horses are well-known for being intelligent and active, with lots of stamina. In particular, horses have been valued over the centuries for their strength. In human history, we have often relied on horses for labour in farming, for transportation before the development of trains and motorized vehicles, as well as for war. Indeed, so impressive was the strength of a horse, that it became a unit of measurement for power in the late eighteenth century. Even today, “horsepower” is still widely used in the automotive industry to describe the power an engine produces.
Indeed, so common was the reliance on horses in the past that sacred scriptures had cautioned against it. “Some rely on chariots, others on horses, but we on the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:8). In the Book of Proverbs, it is written: “The horse is equipped for the day of battle, but victory is the Lord’s” (Proverbs 21:31). In both cases, the Word of God contrasts the horse with God. In both cases, the horse’s ability and power is found lacking when compared to God.
Throughout human history, we have always been tempted to place our trust and confidence in our own strength — in the power of material things we have and create. In the past, horses were one primary source of strength and power that many in society relied upon. Today, we are more likely to rely on money and material possessions. But as we increase our reliance on things of this world, we lessen and weaken our reliance on God. Hence, God’s warning to his chosen people in the past and to us today through his Word. God encourages us to trust not in the strength and power of things of this world, but to trust in Him.
All things of our world will only last for a period of time. Nothing we have and possess can last forever. But God’s love for us will endure. God’s presence and grace will always be with us. This is the message of God to us through the Prophet Isaiah: “Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you” (Isaiah 41:10). We do not need “horsepower” because we have the strength in “God’s power”. God’s power is strong enough to conquer our fears and calm our anxieties. God is our strength and His strength and power will never fail us. We only need to turn to Him.
As we begin this new year, the Year of the Horse, let our hearts be grateful for all the blessings we have received and enjoy. Let us not forget, however, that our faith is not in the blessings received, but in God who gives us the blessings. Let us welcome the Year of the Horse, but also keep our trust firmly in the God who created all, including the horse. May this Year of the Horse be a year to strengthen our faith and trust in God!
Fr. Joseph M. Everson
易唯誠神父
