Daily devotional · April 23
Come, Let Us Return
“Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us to pieces, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bind up our wounds. After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His presence. So let us know— let us press on to know the LORD. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the earth.”
Hosea calls his people to come back to the Lord, because he has torn but he will heal, and struck down but he will bind up. There is a hopeful rhythm here: God does not abandon those who return. The image of dawn and spring rains suggests that renewal is certain, like a sunrise. But the wider chapter warns that returning must be real, not a passing feeling. Coming back to God is not a dramatic show; it is a quiet turning of the heart that shows up in daily choices. Today, ask yourself where you have drifted. It might be prayer, honesty, generosity or rest. Choose one small step of return, and do it before the day ends. Trust that the God who wounds to heal is ready to meet you when you turn.
Prayer
Lord, I return to You. Heal what is wounded and renew me like the dawn. Amen.