Bands of Love

Hosea 11:4 "I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love, and I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them."

He gently and lovingly draws us, often these cords are ones we fight against and at times even curse. But if we closely look, if we ask for wisdom and seek the purpose of them, He will reveal the true identity; His bands of love.

Then just as a farmer releases the yoke from his oxen, God releases the yoke from our neck so that we can be free to take of His word, no longer held captive by this world and it's distractions, but instead resting in His arms, drawn by His bands of love.

The Lord gave me this verse Saturday, and at first I did not understand it's full meaning or truly see it in the light of all that God was doing in my life. But this is a perfect picture of the last month or so. He has been gently drawing me. First, the meeting with my boss that we need to get me to a place where I am not doing everything but instead managing...this was war in my heart...doing means control. Then I injured my hand, another gentle nudge to let go, and again more warring. A sermon one Sunday with a warning about attachments and them keeping us from doing what God would have us do; now understanding is taking hold...I am releasing. This is the final nudge I need and then the doc says that my hand needs a break, possibly up to 6-7 months...this is the Lord removing the yoke from my neck. I no longer spend hours at the office, working through lunch, working on my days off...I am able to feed. He has stooped down and is feeding me the Word each day. And I can't read enough, study enough, retain enough. Work has been my life, what freedom now that He has taken this yoke from me.

That I would be quick to relinquish those things that keep me from Him is my prayer. I am so thankful that He lovingly draws me, He knows me so intimately.