Dear Beloved Readers,
Today, I woke up late. My first thought was not pleasant. I was disappointed in myself as I planned to attend church. I find this practice edifying, in so many ways; it makes good practical sense to apply. "Ugh", I said to myself. But then, I smiled. I needed this extra rest so very much. It was a hardworking week and I thank my Lord for giving me the extra sleep.
Today, I keep going back to Hosea 2, finding it so comforting and resonating.
"Therefore, behold, I will allure her, Bring her into the wilderness And speak kindly to her.
Hosea 2:14 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/hos.2.14.NASB
I found myself, however, looking into the "valley of Achor as a door of hope". You see I kept reading it over and over as Anchor of Hope. I don't know why, but I did. When I finally read it correctly, I decided to study what exactly it is saying.
"Then I will give her her vineyards from there, And the valley of Achor as a door of hope. And she will sing there as in the days of her youth, As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt. "I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, In lovingkindness and in compassion, And I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the Lord . "It will come about in that day that I will respond," declares the Lord . "I will respond to the heavens, and they will respond to the earth,
Hosea 2:15, 19-21 NASB
What was perplexing to me was finding out that the valley of Achor speaks to a season of trouble. Why does it seem to contradict itself in that statement. How can trouble lead to hope?
How can life's hardship bind us to Him. How can we understand that we r linked in His lovingkindness, in His compassion, in His righteousness, in His Faithfulness as a product of tribulation. It seems that being on the receiving end of trial would be in direct opposition to His Blessed Favor.
Hmmmm, let me explore further...
When we're thirsty, we pine to have it quenched. When we are hungry, we yearn to be fed. When we stumble, we reach to get up. When rain pours, we seek shelter. When without shelter, we seek sanctuary. Sure with all those things, deep ache and suffering can ensue. But when we undergo great suffering, we long for comfort.
Honestly, does a big hearty meal satisfy to the same degree when our tummies are already full. Does easing one's state of being near as satiating and soothing when we are already content? Is deep joy and peace achieved without the surge of His presence in the midst of struggle? To all these and more I think not.
Yes His strength is directly proportional to our weakness. We must dwell, however, in His strength to adhere to the Hope he brings. Oh my gosh, can you see how the commitment to Christ is a covenant of bountiful proportions? The coming together is a union that nothing and noone can penetrate; its power is undeniable, its pleasures exponential.
Praise His Holy Name!!!
With much love and many hugs, God Bless you and yours,
Charli Renee
Today, I woke up late. My first thought was not pleasant. I was disappointed in myself as I planned to attend church. I find this practice edifying, in so many ways; it makes good practical sense to apply. "Ugh", I said to myself. But then, I smiled. I needed this extra rest so very much. It was a hardworking week and I thank my Lord for giving me the extra sleep.
Today, I keep going back to Hosea 2, finding it so comforting and resonating.
"Therefore, behold, I will allure her, Bring her into the wilderness And speak kindly to her.
Hosea 2:14 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/hos.2.14.NASB
I found myself, however, looking into the "valley of Achor as a door of hope". You see I kept reading it over and over as Anchor of Hope. I don't know why, but I did. When I finally read it correctly, I decided to study what exactly it is saying.
"Then I will give her her vineyards from there, And the valley of Achor as a door of hope. And she will sing there as in the days of her youth, As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt. "I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, In lovingkindness and in compassion, And I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the Lord . "It will come about in that day that I will respond," declares the Lord . "I will respond to the heavens, and they will respond to the earth,
Hosea 2:15, 19-21 NASB
What was perplexing to me was finding out that the valley of Achor speaks to a season of trouble. Why does it seem to contradict itself in that statement. How can trouble lead to hope?
How can life's hardship bind us to Him. How can we understand that we r linked in His lovingkindness, in His compassion, in His righteousness, in His Faithfulness as a product of tribulation. It seems that being on the receiving end of trial would be in direct opposition to His Blessed Favor.
Hmmmm, let me explore further...
When we're thirsty, we pine to have it quenched. When we are hungry, we yearn to be fed. When we stumble, we reach to get up. When rain pours, we seek shelter. When without shelter, we seek sanctuary. Sure with all those things, deep ache and suffering can ensue. But when we undergo great suffering, we long for comfort.
Honestly, does a big hearty meal satisfy to the same degree when our tummies are already full. Does easing one's state of being near as satiating and soothing when we are already content? Is deep joy and peace achieved without the surge of His presence in the midst of struggle? To all these and more I think not.
Yes His strength is directly proportional to our weakness. We must dwell, however, in His strength to adhere to the Hope he brings. Oh my gosh, can you see how the commitment to Christ is a covenant of bountiful proportions? The coming together is a union that nothing and noone can penetrate; its power is undeniable, its pleasures exponential.
Praise His Holy Name!!!
With much love and many hugs, God Bless you and yours,
Charli Renee
-
1
- Show all
