So now, come back to your God.
Act with love and justice,
and always depend on him.
Hosea 12:6, NLT*

In the middle of declaring His chosen people’s unfaithfulness to Him and of pronouncing the consequences, God adds this invitation.

It’s followed by “But no…” (verse 7). Realistically, the people are in full intent of going their own way. They don’t see the need to return to God – yet.

In praying for our world today, we see the same thing. Most people aren’t ready to turn to God. And as trouble comes, instead of making them re-think, it seems to harden them in their desired independence from God.

Meanwhile, we who know Him wait sadly, knowing He loves them too much to leave them that way, and that to get their attention things will likely grow worse instead of better.

Some are finding Him, though. And each one is cause for rejoicing.

Our God and Redeemer, we praise You for Your love and mercy that keeps reaching out to the lost and wayward. Open their hearts to respond to Your call. Move believers’ hearts to echo Yours in prayer for them. What can we say but thank You?

∞

This song from Thousand Foot Krutch is the cry of a soul finding its way to God. May it remind us to pray for those who are responding to His call: “In My Room”

*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.