Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Text: Hosea 5:13-15 Theme: Our pain and God’s silence can drive us to Him Key verses: “For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, like a great lion to Judah. I will tear them to pieces and go away; I will carry them off, with no one to rescue them. Then I will go back to my place until they admit their guilt. And they will seek my face; in their misery they will earnestly seek me.” (v. 14-15) What God said to me: Dwayne, you must stay faithful to get in my presence and journal what I teach you. I don’t ask many things of you. But investing time in my Word daily is at the top of the requirement list. In this passage, note that Ephraim recognized their problems but went to another king in a foriegn land for their help. They brought judgment on themselves. I will not stand back and allow my people to flounder in sin and rebellion. If needed I will deal harshly with them, even ripping out their strength and confidence. Then I’ll wait in silence until they have sunk so low they have to look up to me. When they earnestly seek me, only then will they be found by me. My ways are not your ways, Dwayne. Don’t try to comprehend them or appreciate them. Just trust me. Ultimately all that I do is motivated from who I am: a God of infinite love and justice. What I said to God: Holy and majestic Lord, I am so sorry for turning my back on you and thinking only of myself yesterday. I do not know why You keep drawing me toward You, despite my wicked heart. Thank You for infinite and amazing love and mercy in my life! May your people praise You, may all Your people praise You! May we not look to other kings and loves, but only to You. And even when You’re silent, we will trust You and look toward heaven.