“Come, let us return to the Lord.
Hosea 6:1-3
He has torn us to pieces
but he will heal us;
he has injured us
but he will bind up our wounds.
After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will restore us,
that we may live in his presence.
Let us acknowledge the Lord;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth.”
God is working, will work out a totally impossible healing of our lives, our world. What God has done and is doing for the nation of Israel, real and metaphorically, He has done in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, who was restored on the third day.
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance:
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
that he was buried,
that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures …
Let us acknowledge the Lord, search for Him seek after Him. What does it look like to seek God?
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
I’m reminded of Brother Lawrence’s book, Practicing the Presence of God first published in 1692. In the mid 1900s, Frank Laubach took Brother Lawrence’s ideas and created a mental game, “The Game with Minutes,” trying to bring God to his mind every minute of every hour. Obviously it is very difficult, but choosing to practice this exercise on the way to work, while washing the dishes or folding clothes, or while engaging in any other mundane task builds mental muscles. It’s one way to chase after, to pursue God!
But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness,
Matthew 6:33
and all these things will be given to you as well.
Come, let us to the Lord our God
John Morrison, 1781
With contrite hearts return;
Our God is gracious, nor will leave
The desolate to mourn.
His voice commands the tempest forth
And stills the stormy wave;
And though His arm be strong to smite, ’
Tis also strong to save.
Long hath the night of sorrow reigned,
The dawn shall bring us light;
God shall appear, and we shall rise
With gladness in His sight.
Our hearts, if God we seek to know,
Shall know Him, and rejoice;
His coming like the morn shall be,
Like morning songs His voice.
As dew upon the tender herb
Diffusing fragrance round,
As showers that usher in the spring,
And cheer the thirsty ground.
So shall His presence bless our souls,
And shed a joyful light;
That hallowed morn shall chase away
The sorrows of the night.
As you pray today, thank God that He is restoring all things, that His Kingdom has come and is coming! Ask God to help you bring Him to mind often – even every minute of every hour of your day. Seek Him, love Him, with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
