DESTINED FOR EMPTINESS

She said, `I will go after my lovers, who give me my food and my water, my wool and my linen, my oil and my drink.’  Therefore I will block her path with thorn bushes; I will wall her in so that she cannot find her way.  Hosea 2: 5,6

            Hosea married a prostitute.  She bore him two children, then grew discontent and went off to find other lovers.  God reveals that her story is parallel to mine, when I forsake Him as my lover and pursue other loves.  Though I’m usually faithful for a time, I can easily grow discontent living by faith and crave the instant gratification of what my eyes can see and my hands can touch.  I believe my detour is what I really need, that I will benefit and find the soul food I seek.  It never happens.  Disillusionment greets me at the end of the road.

            God planned it that way!  Is He cruel?  No.  Jealous?  Yes.  But even more importantly, He loves me perfectly and knows that He is the only love who can fill that aching void in my soul.  He is the primary source for my need for connection and romance.  Because He made me that way, He desires that I find Him at all costs and experience the pleasure He destined me for.  What more loving thing could He do than thwart my spiritual affairs?  Because He gave me free choice, He won’t stop me from wandering, but He will make sure that I come up empty.  An empty heart drives me back to perfect Love.

            When I repeatedly extend my hand for food and come up empty, it’s a sure sign that food is not to be found.  My heart was made to rest within the heart of God.

I’ve taken some journeys away from You.  I’m glad I come home.  Amen