I have a promiscuous heart. I’ve never been unfaithful to my husband, but I have been unfaithful to God by allowing my eyes to wonder. It only takes a moment. Before I realize, that moment turns into an hour, then a day, a month, a year. Suddenly, I’ve strayed from God, my first love.
In the book of Hosea, we read about Gomer, a promiscuous woman. Her unfaithfulness broke Hosea’s heart, damping their relationship, much like the people of Israel broke the heart of God by their promiscuous ways. Yet God waited patiently. He pleaded for their return, but the people of Israel wouldn’t listen.
The truth is all of humanity struggles with unfaithfulness to God. It happens like this. One day, I have a wonderful love relationship with God until I let my heart wonder. Suddenly, when I pray, there is no answer. I can’t find release from my burdens even when I confess my sin. I begin to worry if I’ve drifted so far, I can’t go home.
If you identify, there’s hope.
God knew Israel would be unfaithful, but He loved her anyway. Likewise, Hosea loved Gomer. This tells us that no matter what we’ve done or said, God love us.
Gomer was also a promiscuous woman. Her unfaithfulness broke Hosea’s heart damaging their relationship much like Israel broke the heart of God by their promiscuous ways. Yet God waited patiently. He pleaded for their return, but Israel wouldn’t listen.
The Valley of Achor (which means trouble) was a place of “trouble” when the Israelites first entered the promise land, but it was now a symbol of new opportunity—a “door of hope.”
“I will give her vineyards from there, and the Valley of Anchor as a door of hope; She shall sing there, as in the day of her youth, as in a the day when she came up from the land of Egypt” (Hosea 2:15)
God’s love provides an open door in which we can return to Him. No matter how far we’ve strayed, God will always take us back. That’s not a human kind of love. That’s divine love that causes my heart to sing, “Love so amazing; so divine, demands my life, my soul, my all.”
How can I pray for you today?
Big decisions in our family this week. A little daunting, but very exciting as well. I find myself thinking and trying to make decisions, but I’m praying my heart will stay focused on Jesus my Lord and Savior and that the rest will come second. Please pray our minds, wills, and emotions will stay on the Rock and trust Him as He leads with the rest.
Lynne, I get you. I, too, like to tell God what I think is best. However, I’m learning that He knows best even when it looks as if He’s leading me down the wrong path. You’re right to keep your focus on God. When we do, we have this promise. “God will keep in perfect peace those whose mind is stayed on Him.” I’m praying for you! blessings, Micca
Thanks, Micca……loved your post. I need prayer for health issues and for some family needs!
Blessings~~~
Jackie, I’m delighted to pray for your health and family. Thank you for allowing me to pray for you and yours. Blessings, Micca
I would appreciate your prayers for my marriage and my family. My husband says he is bored, my granddaughter @ 13 thinks she might be gay, and my daughter says, well that’s normal…. Oh my. I am so glad God knows all about this and is faithful. Yes, I wandered and it has led to so many troubles, including my present ones. Yet I know God is with me, He is always there, but I really am getting down and discouraged. So prayers would be appreciated. Thanks.
Dear Mary, All families are messy. My mess may not look like your mess and visa versa, but we all have messy lives because we live in a fallen world. When I’m discouraged I remember Christ’s words, “In this world there will be trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” Keep trusting in the faithfulness of God. He’s got each of you in His hand. He loves you so much! I’m praying for you today. blessings, Micca
I’m usually the one praying for others therefore I rarely ask for prayer for myself. That’s probably why I’m stuck. Please pray for me as I continue forward with my calling. It’s exciting but scary at the same time and I’m at a place where I can either go forward or stand still forever. I keep thinking “is this good enough” and about all the “what ifs.” Thank you very much!
I totally understand, Rose. Don’t let the enemy discourage you or keep you from following your calling. You are here for such a time as this. Press on, friend! God wants to use you in a mighty way. Praying the Spirit of God inspires you today. blessings, Micca
Thank you, Micca, for your prayers and words of encouragement! I’m gonna choose to believe them.
For my nephew who is 18 and in jail. For him to accept responsibility for his actions, to have a truly repentant heart and to receive Christ as his savior. Also, for my sister during this time as it has created so much stress for her. Thank you Micca!
Hi Micca! Thank you so very much for sharing, I really needed this!! I was absolutely blindsided almost 9 months ago by the guy who I thought I was supposed to marry. It turns out he wasn’t very honest with me or our families about some things. It was absolutely heart wrenching. A couple months ago I started having these urgent feelings to pray for him and to keep praying. This story of Gomer has come across my path so many times as well, I don’t know what He’s up to, but I’ve been trying to be open to whatever He has planned for the future!