“Therefore, behold, I will allure her,
Will bring her into the wilderness,
And speak comfort to her.

I will give her her vineyards from there,
And the Valley of Achor as a door of hope;
She shall sing there,
As in the days of her youth,
As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt.

 “And it shall be, in that day,”
Says the Lord,
“That you will call Me ‘My Husband,’
And no longer call Me ‘My Master,’
For I will take from her mouth the names of the Baals,
And they shall be remembered by their name no more.

Daddy love is on display in this verse. The same love God had for his people in the Old Testament is the SAME love He has for us today.  The Bible is relevant, living, and active.

Through a Bible study for teenage girls, God has directed my attention on the role of the father in the home and our fatherless nation. We may be fatherless, but sweet friend you do have a Daddy who adores you and allures you to Him. I want to take this passage and share how He displays His love for you and the blessings you will receive if you only but come to Him.

1. God allures (to attract with something desirable) you to Him. He is your creator and designed you with a purpose and a place.  He knows the desires that will compliment you and your personality.  He never gives up on you even when you are running far from Him.  If you acknowledge His wooing you will see it all around you through circumstances, His creations, and people in your life. You must trust that your worldly desires pale in comparison to His desires for you.
2. God allures you into the wilderness.  Commentators share that the wilderness is not a literal place, but a spiritual place free from distractions–a change in scenery from the things that are drawing you away from Him.  Much like the Israelites were drawn into the wilderness prior to the Promise Land, this time prepares us for things to come.  In fact, the wilderness time is imperative to the work God has for you.  If you skip out on this time with Him, you will not be trained up and prepared.  You might be quickly allured back into old patterns of behavior and the world around you.
3. God speaks comfort to you. He is not a mean God.  Your situation may cause heartache and struggle; yet, in your deep communion with Him in the wilderness, seek and know His comfort.  He promises to comfort you.  He promises to speak words of comfort to you.  Recognize them and acknowledge them by sharing the words with others, so that they will be comforted.
4. God will restore your youth.  Think not of childhood in particular, but think more of the youthful spirit and mind. In your soul embrace the remembrance of children at play–uninhibited and free from anxious thought of judgment. Remember the song in your heart as a child?  He will restore this beautiful music not only in your soul, but it will come out of your mouth!  Vineyards of joy and beauty will surround you.  As you rest in the wilderness with Him, He will lead you through a door of hope!  Will you take the steps necessary as he allures you, guides you in His Word, and speaks comfort to you?
5. God will be your husband.  If you are willing to strip yourself of yourself and surrender, God will show the deepest love you’ve ever known.  He will not only be your perfect father, but He will be your husband.  He is never not these things to you, but in order to know Him in these roles, you must allow Him to allure you to the wilderness.  You must walk through the door of hope.  The Bible shares that one of God’s names is a “door”.  Will you walk into His arms, His leading, and allow Him to completely love you?
6. God will help you with memories and your mouth.  Our brains are powerful computers.  We can recall and play a running tape of events.  This power is great when it comes to exams and our jobs; however, our shortcomings and failures can be maddening. Over time, God will restore your mind and take the words of your idols from your mouth.  Imagine a day in which an alcoholic does not speak of his next drink but rejoices in the love of His savior!  Imagine a woman who, with confidence, boldly accepts her worthiness to be loved and does not speak words of self loathing.

Be still and know that He is God. If we are willing to do the work with God in the wilderness, He will lead us through the door of hope.

I pray you will spend time asking God to help you hear His voice and allurement.  Where is God leading you? Are you willing to spend time in preparation away from your idols and distractions?  Will you listen for His Words of comfort in your life and walk through the door of hope?

I will consistently share the benefits of Christian counseling.  If you need help beyond your ability and strength there are strong Christian counselors who can underpin His work and guide you.

Over 15 years ago, I sat with a teenage girl who desired to offer her life to God.  She had dreams of working with adolescent girls who were struggling in life to understand their worth.  At that time, I was directed to this passage and shared with her that maybe one day we, together, could offer help to women through a ministry based on this passage — A DOOR OF HOPE.

Two Sundays ago, after a sermon about families and the father’s role in the family, I had a vision in my prayer of women gathered at the cross of Jesus to receive healing.

My prayer is that women can heal the wounds of unworthiness, less than, unlovable, and rejection.  Come to Him–be allured, and call Him, “My husband”.