Return! Return!
Back to Comfort for Christians
Return! Return!
"Come, let us return unto the Lord. He has torn us to pieces — but He will heal us; He has injured us — but He will bind up our wounds!" Hosea 6:1
When in health and prosperity — we often wander from God. We forget our obligation to Him and fail to realize our dependence upon Him.
Then comes God's rod — at first, perhaps, a gentle stroke. If that is not heeded — then comes a heavier stroke. At length, if we still fail to pay attention to His discipline — we are not only smitten — but torn!
Then we reflect, are convinced of our folly, and begin to seek after a way of escape — but all is dark, dreary, and dead. We begin to sigh and groan, doubt and despond; and the more we look at our conduct, or into our hearts — the lower we sink, and the more miserable we become!
We try every human means available for deliverance; but to us, they have no life, power, or savour — and we are driven to self-despair.
Then a friendly voice says to us, "Come, and let us return unto the Lord!" He invites us; He is willing to receive us, and He is ready to forgive us.
He will bind up our festering wounds,
He will heal our wounded hearts,
He will apply the cleansing blood and the healing oil
— and so He will cure and bring us health!
Carry, then — your wounded heart to Jesus. Go to Him — as torn as you are; confess your sins frankly and fully, without excuse; plead His precious promises, His loving invitations, and His atoning blood. He will speak peace to your soul and enable you to rejoice in the freeness and fullness of His forgiving love.
Remember, whatever change may have taken place in you — that Jesus is the same — He has not changed!
His love is as great,
His mercy is as tender,
His grace is as free, and
His Word is as faithful, as ever!
He still says. "Come unto Me — and I will give you rest!"
Help me, O Heavenly Father, to come to You when I fail. Help me to remember who You are. Heal, restore, and bless me, I pray!
"Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God — for your sins have brought you down!" Hosea 14:1