I Lifted the Yoke From Your Neck & Bent Down to Feed You

"I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them." Hosea 11:4

This chapter of Scripture is speaking of God's love for Israel. As I read it, this verse jumped out at me. After doing the "Breaking Free" Bible study by Beth Moore, I realized that being overweight has come from years of bad habits that were started early in my life. As I've said before, I've literally allowed myself to be enslaved to food and my cravings. Picture your life and how much you've eaten and visualize it as a literal yoke on your neck. I allowed myself to become burdened by this sin and yet I couldn't seem to break free from it because I was entangled by it. But, in His Word, God tells us that He loves us so much, He will lift the yoke from our neck. While He's speaking here of the Israelites, His chosen beloved,  I think that the verses apply to us now, who as His children are His beloved, too.

Instead of being yoked to the sin of overindulgence and laziness, we can be led with God's ties of love and cords of human kindness. I would love to walk freely, not yoked to oppression but instead being led by my Father's love. My favorite part is that He will bend down to feed us. In case I missed that this verse was for me, it includes being fed as part of the 'deal.' God will feed us. He will show us what we need to eat. He will lead us with His love. He will break us free from the sin we've allowed to enslave us. He will lift the yoke of obesity from our necks. Later on in Hosea, we see the Lord's heart and His amazing compassion aroused. Let us pray that He will show us the same compassion!

Dear God, we admit that we have sinned against You. We have indulged in food that was not healthy for our temple, which is Your dwelling place. We've chosen to allow ourselves to become so overweight we're not sure if we can even exercise or eat healthier. Lord, there are days I confess that I feel like giving up this journey. But, God, I praise You that You tell us that You lifted the yoke from our neck. We no longer have to go back to our old habits for they have nothing on us. Instead, You lead us with cords of human kindness and ties of love. Lord, help us realize what this means. Father, please forgive us and let Your compassion be aroused. Send Your mercy and help us along this journey of freedom. Allow us to be healthy and thin for Your glory. We love You, Father God. And we praise You and thank You for Your Word. May we continue to learn and obey. In Jesus' name, AMEN!