Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 18, 2018
Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you. Hosea 10:12 (NIV)
We all want more of God in our lives. We long for his presence and goodness to wash over us and those we love. Yet how often do we take the time to intentionally reflect upon the parts of our lives that may be standing as a barrier between us and God? What are the things in your life that keep you from moving forward in your faith journey?
At times, our struggles are clearly seen and felt. We are all too aware of our brokenness and the ways in which it hurts those around us. You may have struggled with anger and a short temper your entire life, to the point that people know you to be an angry and harsh person. You may be consumed with the need for financial security and the acquisition of wealth, so much so that it blinds you to the sacrificial call of generosity and love for neighbor that is the responsibility of every Christian. You may have a love for food that moves beyond a healthy appreciation for the goodness and beauty of creation and the senses so instead becomes an addiction and coping mechanism that keeps deeper fears and insecurities at bay.
To these and countless more examples, the Lord speaks freedom and a new way forward. He invites us to instead “sow righteousness” and seek him, trusting that as we do he brings freedom and genuine change through the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and lives. He wants us to reject the lie that “we are what we are” and that “some things will never change.” As Jesus once said, “with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
In addition to the things we clearly struggle with, Hosea encourages us to take a step further and tend to the “unplowed ground.” Are there God given gifts and passions deep within your heart that you have neglected and ignored for years? Are there things that you know you were made to do that you’ve pushed aside or ignored as impossible in this season of life? Might God be inviting you into a place of courage and trust, believing there is still work that he has for you to do in new and exciting ways?
As we seek more of God in our lives, we must always remain open to the adventurous call of the Lord Jesus. Just as we tend to the parts of our lives that are in need of his healing and grace, we also look forward with open hearts, ready and willing to break new ground for his glory and the sake of his Kingdom!
Prayer
Father, show us the unplowed ground in our lives and give us the strength and courage to enter into that new work with joy, excitement, and wonder. Amen.
Application
Where do you have unplowed ground in your life?
Related Reading
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13; Ephesians 4:28; Colossians 3:23
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