The call of God to Israel is simply summarised in this chapter: “You must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always” (verse 6). Whatever you have done, however you have lived, the way back to God is never closed off to you. The door is open, and God calls you to come to him. You don’t have to qualify. Don’t try to fix yourself before you come because only God can change your life. Just come to him. That is always the first step. You don’t need to cower in hiding. Come out and face God and you will find open arms of love and mercy. When you come to God his directive to you will be simple. He will tell you to love and maintain justice. He wants you to treat all people in the knowledge that they are God’s children. He wants you to treat them as you would treat your own children. Share yourself and your possessions with others as you would with brothers and sisters. Treat all people with equal respect. God loves people. If you love people, you will be doing the will of God. It is as simple as that. Finally, wait on God. Seek God patiently. Teach your heart to be still before him and train your desires to long for him above all. Don’t let the agitation of your over-entertained mind take you away from seeking God. Discipline your mind and heart. The more we want something the more willing we will be to wait without distraction for it. Wait for him.
Spend some time waiting in stillness before God. Focus only on your desire for him.
Read Hosea 11:12-12:14
