It is I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them in My arms; but they did not know that I healed them.  I led them with cords of a man, with bonds of love, and I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; and I bent down and fed them.          Hosea 11:3-4

In the first days of my development, God was loving and attentive.  It’s essential for me to know that.  Though my recollection of Him being there is absent, I would see how involved He was if I could replay my history in spiritual realms like a movie.  There would be shock at the level of His care.

In today’s scripture, I am acquainted with the heartbreak of a Father who loved well, who invested Himself in the lives of children who did not acknowledge Him.  Though He treated them tenderly, even humbly, they left Him for other gods.  This was like putting a dagger in the Father’s heart.

We’ve known shades of this pain, right?  Haven’t you spent your soul on another only to be unappreciated, even ignored?  When your love was tossed aside, the wounds ran so deep that you withdrew and vowed to never do that again.  God does not do that.  He keeps the ache alive in His heart in hopes of future reconciliation.  He is patient and abounding in lovingkindness.

Never will we know such a faithful love as this from flawed humanity.   When I was indifferent, God was not.  When I was faithless, God was not.  When I strayed, God did not.  When I accused, God did not.  When the enemy accused and pointed out my wanderings, God defended.  When I called Him names, He loved despite my misjudgments.  What a Father.  What love He has bestowed.

The windows of heaven have always been open to me.  They still are.  I think I’ve learned.  Where I can’t see You working today, You are.  And You are faithful.  I confess this as truth and find comfort. Amen