Right Path
Hosea 2
For their mother has played the harlot; she who conceived them has behaved shamefully. For she said, “I will go after my lovers, who give me my bread and my water, my wool and my linen, my oil and my drink.” Therefore, behold, I (the Lord God) will hedge up her ways with thorns; and I will build a wall against her (shutting off her way) so that she cannot find her paths.
Hosea 2:5-6 AMP
There is a lot to unpack in this chapter. I feel like this just speaks out to how easily we are distracted by sin. In so many ways Israel was looking at the instant gratification of the sin. What they could get right away from something. Instead of trusting what God had already promised and diligently seeking the Lord.
He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin.
Hebrews 11:25 NIV
I know for myself that instant “high” you can get from something that is not aligned with God can seem so good. It feels good, looks good – at the moment – but then after that moment is gone you are left feeling more empty than before. What God has for us is always better! When we try to lean on something other than God for pleasure, we usually cannot find it. It is a futile struggle.
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Ephesians 5:17
Following the way of God can often be difficult. But so worth it! Maybe when something is truly difficult that is God’s way of telling us that this is not his will. It may seem harsh, but God is really just trying to save us time from going down the wrong path. God wants good for us and is not against us. He will always wait for our return and welcome us back with open arms. But he will not make us do the right thing. We need to partner with God for ourselves. He can put obstacles to draw us from the wrong path, but we have to trust and then turn back to God.
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me always. For waiting and welcoming me home to you when I so often choose the wrong path or run towards things of the flesh. Keep drawing me to you and your will. Help me to not give in to the easy way but wait for the promises you have already given me. You are such a good Father. Help me in the waiting and help me stay the course. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.
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