Good morning :)
Before we proceed with the topic of relationships, let's take a closer look at what God desires to do for each and everyone of who has ever been hurt, or is currently struggling in a relationship, or is feeling like a happy and healthy relationship is never going to happen.
There is one IN-YOUR-FACE verse that I trust will rev our engines.
Hosea 2:15..."I’ll turn Heartbreak Valley into Acres of Hope."
Have you ever taken a trip down Heartbreak Valley? Have you ever been mistreated? Have you ever been made to feel less than? Have you ever wondered if and when you will enjoy a mutually satisfying, mutually respectful, mutually faithful, and mutually loving relationship?
The entire book of Hosea has to do with God patiently courting us as we have done most or all of the above to Him. We have ignored Him, blamed Him when things go wrong, only gone to Him when there's a crisis, and yes, even looked for satisfaction in temporal things when only He can give peace that runs like a river.
The good news is that He completely and thoroughly understands relationships--inside and out. It was all His idea in the first place. Which is why Hosea is such a powerful love story. The same God Who pursues us and understands what it takes to have an amazing relationship--Who knows our weaknesses and tendencies--is the same one Who desires to apply these principles and power for our human relationships as well.
He knows that Heartbreak Valley exists--that it's a well-traveled destination filled with regrets, guilt, and sorrow. But Heartbreak Valley turns into Acres of Hope when we turn to Him. Acres with an "s", instead of a singular depressing valley. AMEN! It begins with prayer, as you all faith-filled creatures know, but let us not underscore the importance of Biblical principles. God has a way of doing things that will take you straight out of that valley into your hope-filled acreage. His way works.
We've already looked at how a young man must act and speak in a way that touches a woman's heart, and how he must protect her reputation. We have also seen the wisdom behind women who affirm, not nag, their men. And there is more to come. But let's conclude today's DEVO with a special prayer--especially for our young, unmarried children. There is so much misinformation out there. Let's be a line of defense between them and all that junk by (1) praying for them, (2) learning God's relationship principles, and (3) setting the right example by following these principles ourselves.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You that You know best when it comes to our love lives. We all have young people in our lives that we love, and we have so many concerns because we want them to avoid the harsh consequences that can come when we do not choose wisely. Make our children receptive to doing things Your way, and give us the wisdom and patience we need to properly instruct them. And for those of us who are desperate for a change, we are asking You today to do Your thing. You are the One Who turns heartbreak into hope. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
