Songs of Joy – Hosea 2:15

Then I will give her her vineyards from there, and the valley of Achor as a door of hope.  And she will sing there as in the days of her youth, as in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt.

Listen to the laughter of children.  It bubbles forth in irrepressible torrents of giggling from a joy within their unburdened souls.  Carrying no concerns about tomorrow on their shoulders and fearing no lack of their parent’s provision, they are free to rejoice in the smallest, silliest things. Such will be your joy, even during troubling times, if you will believe that your loving, faithful Lord will never abandon you in a parched and desolate place.  If you will trust that long before your well runs dry, He will come to you like the spring rain watering the earth,[1] refreshing and reviving you.  Though you may be in a desert, seemingly far from a source of water, you may walk in the assurance that at the time appointed by the Lord, He will take you into the land flowing with rivers and streams, which He lays out before His beloved. Afflictions, though severe, need not dissipate your joy since the Lord will be with you in them, comforting you, caring for you, teaching and transforming you as you pass through barren places along the road of sanctification.  As you look to the Lord, you will find Him to be your all sufficiency, and though your need may seem overwhelming, it is not, for God will make a way for you if you seek Him.[2]  Your trusting heart need not bear the pain of victimization or the crush of disappointment since the sovereign Lord is in absolute control. He will use your brokenness for your benefit, drawing you closer to Him and removing you further from the world’s clutches.[3]  Through your trial, He will give you humility, as He strengthens your character, reinforces your foundation of hope and faith, and teaches you to depend on Him.[4] The blazing sand may appear to stretch out endlessly before you, but, by His divine grace, God will breathe joy into your soul as He walks with you through the dry land.  He will carry you beyond the hard places into a haven of promise, peace, and prosperity.[5]  He will refresh your mind and take your burdens upon Himself. Encircled by His love, your muted heart will once again sing to the Lord, so others will know that He is your strength and song, the One highly exalted above all creation,[6] and the One before whose glory sorrow must flee, for He brings His beloved into everlasting joy.[7]

Tears flow like driving rain Sorrow is the heartaches refrain The blazing sandals become the bed On which this traveler lays his head

Sadness seems his only friend He wonders if it has an end Brokenness camps by his side In loneliness, he does reside

Truth whispers, Son, there is a door Unlike those you’ve known before Set all your burdens on the stoop And trust that you will soon recoup

All the days you languished here All you lost, precious and dear Enter in; you’ll find inside A place where faith and hope abide

For though you’ve passed through the fire I’ll clothe your heart in new attire And you’ll sing out in glory’s song In this place where you belong.

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[1] Hosea 6:3 [2] Isaiah 65:10 [3] Ezekiel 20:35-37 [4] Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Romans 15:4 [5] Deuteronomy 30:5 [6] Exodus 15:1-2 [7] Isaiah 51:11