How can we avoid seeking worldly solutions instead of trusting God? Setting the Scene: Hosea 8:9 “For they have gone up to Assyria, like a wild donkey wandering alone. Ephraim has hired lovers.” What Israel Did—and Why It Still Happens • Israel sensed pressure from enemies and ran to Assyria for protection. • “Hired lovers” shows the nation paying for help God already promised to give. • A “wild donkey wandering alone” pictures stubborn, self-directed independence. Modern Equivalents of Running to Assyria • Replacing prayer with endless internet research. • Trusting credit cards instead of God’s provision. • Adjusting convictions to fit cultural approval. • Treating busyness, therapy substitutes, or substances as quick fixes. Warning Lights to Catch Early • Growing irritation when answers don’t appear instantly (Psalm 27:14). • Secret fear that God might not come through (Isaiah 30:15). • Urgent craving to “do something—anything” rather than wait (1 Samuel 13:8-14). Steps to Keep Our Hearts from Hiring Lovers 1. Slow down: build “Selah moments” into each day—literal pauses to remember who holds the universe (Psalm 46:10). 2. Check the first impulse: before texting, Googling, or spending, breathe a prayer: “Lord, is this Assyria or You?” 3. Anchor decisions in Scripture you can quote aloud—e.g., Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 20:7; Matthew 6:33. 4. Welcome godly counsel; isolation breeds donkey-like wandering (Proverbs 11:14). 5. Track testimonies: keep a journal of answered prayers so past faithfulness fuels present trust (Deuteronomy 8:2). Scripture Anchors for Immediate Use • Isaiah 31:1—“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help… but do not look to the Holy One of Israel.” • Jeremiah 2:13—“They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, to dig their own cisterns…” • 2 Chronicles 16:9—“For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro… to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him.” • Philippians 4:6-7—trade anxiety for prayer and peace. Encouragement for Today God never scolds our need; He invites our trust. Every time we refuse an “Assyrian” shortcut and wait on Him, He writes another line of faithfulness into our story—proof that His way was, and still is, enough. |
    |