Return to Me

 

“I cared for you in the desert, in the land of burning heat. When I fed them they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud, then they forgot me.” (Hosea 13:5-6)

The book of Hosea opens a window for us into the very heart of God; it reveals God’s agony over His people who turned away from Him and then encountered destruction and turbulence. Like many of us, they grasped at any straw that might save them from this destruction, but even then, because of their pride and self-sufficient ways, they refused to turn to the Lord. But through God’s forgiveness and grace, He continued to offer them a message of hope and implored them to return to Him so that He could heal and restore them.

 

…Independence…

                                      …Self-sufficiency…

                                                          …Pride…

                                                                   …Competence…

In times of blessing and when things are going well, it can be easy to rely on our success and be satisfied of our achievements. We become self-sufficient because we have been taught to do so. Being self-sufficient is a word described as the model American; these are individuals who do not need to be dependent on outside sources for their basic needs; folks who are capable of attending to any circumstance, problem, or hardship they encounter. We have been encouraged from an early age to be self-sufficient and to model and display a sense of pride and personal responsibility. When prayers have been answered and things are going as planned, we don’t always look up to God or even thank Him. But when challenges and trials knock us down, it is easy to call on God; when we are desperate there is nowhere to look but up!

“Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers righteousness on you.” (Hosea 10:12)

The truth is that we are not always equipped to manage our lives on our own; we need help from the one up above who made us. There are always going to be times when we are desperate and need help, and God operates very effectively in our weaknesses; it is in that place that He can show Himself strong! The truth is, God wants us to recognize and acknowledge Him in the good times and the bad times; He is all-knowing and He sees the end from the beginning and has a plan for every situation. We need His presence with us in every situation, and we should praise and rejoice with Him no matter what is going on in our lives. He allows us to experience blessings and also challenges so we can learn to love and trust Him in all things.

“But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always.” (Hosea 12:6)

 

Trials in our lives try to take our attention away from God, and we are going to struggle with circumstances that cause us to be distracted and rely on self as we try to battle and win by our own efforts. We like to be strong; we grow up thinking that  things depend on us and our strength and abilities But the purpose of going through trials are to perfect perseverance in us and to cling to Him in every circumstance. We can’t solve our problems and temptations by our own efforts, or fight the battle on our own. God calls us to live a life based on His resources and strength, and He is most glorified when we are dependent and wait on Him always!