Therefore, I will block her path with thorn bushes; I will wall her in so she can not find her way. She will chase after her lovers but not catch them. Hosea 2:56

Depression has many faces ~ Sleep eludes you. Food tastes bland. Enjoyment of beautiful things is absent.  Agitation is a constant companion.  The plot of an otherwise great movie isn’t mildly interesting. You are suspended in a pit of nothingness. 

This also describes the child of God who has looked to other things to fill his soul only to discover that each failed to deliver what it promised. Like any addiction, what amount used to satisfy, no longer does. It takes ‘bigger and better’ to make a dent. 

Is God directly involved in these worthless pursuits?  The story of Hosea shows the level of his involvement.  He is a Father who blocks our path and causes us to travel in circles.  He is the Author of such aggravation. He is not a kill-joy; He is the source of all joy.  He hopes we’ll throw up our hands and cease our wanderings. He holds His breath, hoping we’ll take the road back home. 

With God, appetites are satisfied. Thrills are experienced. Joy is inexpressible. Wonder is  inexhaustible.  Truth is energizing. An person who ran from God but finally realized his folly and returned home wonders why he waited so long. Why didn’t he just believe God years ago and save himself such a tortuous path? That is always the question and there is always regret.

The stories of so many who learned these lessons the hard way lived before us.  Their voices are compelling.  They shout out to us today, ‘Make the course change now. Any other quest for meaning will only lead to a dead end street.’

My soul will lead me away from You, but I thank You for frustrating me on my journey to nowhere. I now live in You and I am well. Amen