To whom shall we return?

Hosea 7:16

“They return, but not to the most High…”

Hosea was a prophet who was called of God to call Israel and Judah back to the Lord. They had rebelled and transgressed His commandments, and God was seeking to bring them back to Himself. He used Hosea to show His love for Israel, although they had been adulterous against Him. He commanded Hosea to take an adulterous woman in order to show God’s love for His unfaithful people. And, as is so often true, the people of God, when noticing how things had gone awry, turned back, but did not turn back to the Lord. They would turn back in trouble, but to what? To whom would they turn for help? Often, they would turn back to Egypt in their hearts and long after the flesh pots, and the abundant bread, and the pleasures of life. But they would not return to God, their deliverer! And here they are, planning to go back to Egypt. Jeremiah prophesied against this plan, but many went back anyway. You see, when trouble comes to a nation, they may have a change in course or direction. But it is of utmost importance where that direction is headed! Where is that nation going? And when people find their lives in hardship or trouble, they recognize that a change in course is needed. But just as important as the change in course is the destination of that change!

You see! Here, the Lord says, “Though I have redeemed them!” And He says, “Though I have bound and strengthened their arms!” Yet they would not return to Him, but after the weak and beggarly elements of this world. They would hasten to some other solution, some other temporary relief. But it is just that—temporary! It does not save! It does not deliver! Only the Lord saves and delivers. They continued to speak lies against Him; they would not cry to Him with their heart! They continued in their error and sin. They returned, but not to the Most High.

Now, dear friend, let us consider this question. When troubles come upon us, to whom do we turn? Shall we turn to physical refreshments or temporary solutions such as mind-numbing fixes? No! We must not! We must return only and always to the Lord! Nothing else will do! Nothing else will relieve the problem or solve the conundrum! It will only be done by turning back to the source of wisdom, deliverance, salvation, and guidance. Without Him, we shall utterly fall, for the arm of flesh will fail us. Whatever it may happen to be, and whatever the plight may be, do not turn to anything but to the Lord Himself! He alone shall save Thee!

“Dear Lord, we thank you for the precious and powerful Word that pierces even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow. It is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart! Today, Lord, you have aptly reminded us that we must not return to anything in this world or in our lives for help, but we should return immediately to you. There is no other substitute. Please forgive us if we have turned to other things first. Let us turn first and always and only to Thee. And we pray these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.”