The book of Hosea is the picture of an unfaithful wife. We would call her a harlot or prostitute. But is is a picture of the infidelity of the children of Israel -- and by extension all of us who claim the name of Christ.
Despite our best intentions we are drawn away by many things, money, fame, power, sensuality, good causes, family concerns. Anything that takes first place in our hearts before God becomes an idol - an infidelity to God.
But God is faithful to us, no matter how unfaithful we are to Him.
There is a promise in these verses:
Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards and will make the Valley of Achor (Valley of trouble) a door of hope.
We have all had times of darkness and desolation, times when things went very wrong. We have lost a business, a friend, a family member, our self-esteem, something important. In these periods of desolation, God can speak to us.
Our times of trouble are times God can draw us closer to Him. He whispers His love to us. He makes us fruitful again. He restores our salvation. He is patient and faithful. His desire is our reunion with Him, and He will work to bring that about.
Father, God,
Thank you for Your faithfulness to us even when we are unfaithful to You. Grant us the softened hearts of the desolate that we may hear Your whispers of love to us and hasten to return to fidelity to You.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
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