5/15/24 :
I have a love/hate relationship with traveling. I love going places and eating good food and spending time exploring with my husband, but I hate that it takes me completely off of my routine. And I really do miss my normal quiet time.
I just read about Hosea and Gomer in Chaim Bentorah’s book “Racham – The Love That is Beyond Love” (it’s another book I highly recommend). And I’m convicted this morning that I have been the “wayward spouse”. I have wandered away from my first love…God. When I started to learn about racham – the pure, unadulterated love that is returned to God – and then I read Hosea, it makes me want to cry.
It’s an incredible word picture of the love God has, not only for Israel, but also for me! He loves me and wants my full heart. But here I am, ignoring Him when we travel. Oh sure, I try to squeeze in a breath of a prayer here and there, but it’s not my usual.
And I want to love God.
Fully and completely.
I want to say…and mean it… “I racham you, Lord”!!
I love you with so much of me that nothing else matters.
And that may seem radical, but when I start to just scratch the surface of the living, loving God, I want to racham Him. I want to return His deep love for me. Not because I have to, but because I want to!
Also today – having a crappy morning. I am not in a good mood. The sky is gray and rainy for like the millionth day in a row. I’m so ready for summer. I didn’t even feel like going to the gym (I did it anyway). Honestly, just want to crawl in a hole. No clue why. BUT, God in His racham for me puts Rich Mullins at the top of my playlist when I got in the car to go to work. God knew that music was what I needed today. He remains faithful despite my attitude!
Who remembers Rich Mullins? He was a really great songwriter who, I believe, had racham with God! I challenge you to go back and listen to his songs. Simple but full of profound truths!
Anyway, I just want to encourage you today to say again… I love you Lord and I lift my voice to worship you!!
ShannonFabulous 