Year of the Bible: Part Eight of TwelveSample

You are (Still) My People

Practically speaking, Israel deserved to be divorced and cut off from God forever because of their idolatrous ways. God, a loving husband and redeemer, refused to let His people go.

Listen to how He speaks to Israel:

"Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her. And there I will give her her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. And there she shall answer as in the days of her youth, as at the time when she came out of the land of Egypt" (Hosea 2:14-15).

Achor means "trouble" or "a place of trouble." God promised to make the Israelites' places of failure, pain, and suffering into sources of hope, and He desires to do the same for you!

Question: Do you need to hear God's loving and kind words to you about a challenging season of your life?

Prayer: Take a pen and paper or open a new note on your phone and in 60 seconds, think of and write down as many things or people you can think of that you are thankful for. Now, do it again for another 60 seconds. Take your list and give thanks for each line aloud, reminding yourself of God's goodness and faithfulness despite your failings.