Hosea

[I do not own the rights to any pictures]

“Is it not humbling and wonderful that such a God should wish to dwell with us, and so wish that He gave His very Dearest to make it possible?” - Amy Carmichael

I just finished working my way through the book of Hosea. It wasn’t a very deep study by any means but when I tell you my heart has been saddened, strengthened, uplifted, and devastated over and over again in the space of 14 chapters, please believe I’m telling the truth. What a heart-wrenching picture we see here of a complete whore just continuing to run from the man who brings her stability and love, who so consistently carries her home again. And what a beautiful story we read of a God who consistently runs right after us.

Our hearts are wanderers. That deepest, darkest void inside each one of us is a spirit that just aches to be known by an eternal love. But instead of turning to Him who has promised us love and guidance the rest of our days, we dawdle on the wayside, picking up flowers that are often hiding thorns.

“What shall i do with you?” asks the Lord. “ …Your love is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes early away.”

This is why we sing so earnestly in church, “bind my wandering heart to Thee.” We know our nature is not that of a faithful partner; it is too easily drawn to that which will never fully satisfy. Those flowers are gorgeous, sure. And they smell better than anything. But they wither and fade just like earthly loves, dreams, desires, and successes. Far better is it to leave them by the side of the road and continue down the path of righteousness.

And oh the most beautiful part of the story — He does not leave us to do it alone.

“How can I give up on you, O Ephraim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender… and I will not come in wrath.”

How can I give up on you? If I was cheated on multiple times, I am certain I would give up! Humbling indeed is this love that continually keeps no record of wrongs and chases us down. He fights for our affection, holds us in the palm of His hand, and reminds us in the simplest of ways that we are but His.

If you know me, you know I have a terrible memory. We could have been having a conversation just last week and I will have forgotten the most important details. So it goes in my spiritual life as well. One minute I am reading my Bible and singing to the Lord and the next I am grumbling in my heart when things don’t go my way. We do not have a natural tendency to goodness, as the world so often claims. Rather our selfishness is in cruel contrast to the life we are called to live.

And He knows this about us. The reminders I receive throughout the day of His loving kindness and plan for my life are honestly so convicting. I am in constant awe of His patience and love for His children.

So though I cling to my bondage, may He always set me free from the sin that so easily entangles and may I follow Him, dwell beneath His shadow, and flourish forever. By His grace I know it is possible, for He has written to all of us:

“It is I who answer and look after you.”