I sometimes feel sorry for what God has to put up with in his people. He goes overboard loving and blessing us and then often receives a slap in the face as his reward. These sentiments are poignantly described in the Old Testament.

Here’s how God spoke to Israel as they were turning from him: “Yet 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)

Can’t you just imagine a parent proudly teaching their little toddler to walk? The toddler has no idea how much love and patience goes into the time spent on their development. God compares himself that way and his heart is broken “Because they refused to return to Me.” (Verse 5)

We often hear about how much we deserve God’s judgment in our country. Truly we have fallen far from our roots of righteousness. Many prophetic voices blast away warnings that the wrath of God will fall at any time. I couldn’t agree more that we have it coming.

BUT, if and when the wrath of God does fall it will not bring pleasure to him. He’s not looking eagerly for a reason to pounce. Rather, his heart is reluctant and long suffering and he’s looking for any sign that he can hold back.

The truth is he loves us beyond measure and he just wants us back.