As was Israel, so have we become. The children of Israel refused the direction of the Lord and sought their own way. God continually reached out to them, provided for them, and sought to bring them back; yet they refused to seek His face.

Their refusal resulted in a continual battle against the natural consequences of their own actions, as well as God’s chastisement for their sin. Over and over again they turned from Him and over and over they were brought into captivity only to cry out to Him for mercy. They sought Him when they needed help.

Being the Heavenly Father that He is, His heart hurt for them much the same as ours does when we see our children suffering from choices that took them away from the direction of God. “How shall I give thee up Ephraim? How shall I deliver thee, Israel? How shall I make thee as Admah? How shall I set thee as Zeboim? Mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.” Hosea 11:8

“Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgement, and wait on thy God continually.” Hosea 12:6

“Yet I am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me.” Hosea 13:4

“Oh Israel, thou hast destroyed thy self, but in me is thine help.” Hosea 13:9

“O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.” Hosea 14:1

“I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.” Hosea 14:4

“Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? Prudent, and he shall know them? For the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.” Hosea 14:9

All through these verses, as Israel was, so are we. As Israel destroyed themselves, so have we. We have turned from God and sought our own ways making right wrong and wrong right, but God still offers to be our help if we return to Him.

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” Psalms 28:7

In Him is our help if we turn from our sin, turn to Him, and trust in Him. “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall g do unto me.” Hebrews 13:6