Let’s strive to know the LORD. His appearance is as sure as the dawn. He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the land. Hosea 6:3 CSB

For I desire faithful love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 CSB

Hosea was an Old Testament prophet. He spoke to God’s people after the time of King David and Solomon. God’s people were divided into two kingdoms; the northern kingdom was Israel (sometimes referred to as Ephraim) and the southern kingdom was Judah.

Even though the people had strayed from God to serve idols and the gods of the peoples they displaced, He is calling them back to Himself. Hosea tells the people, and us, that we need to strive to know the LORD (Yahweh). Strive means to work hard to do something, to struggle or fight for something, and to be persistent (don’t give up!) in your efforts. Knowing God doesn’t just happen, we have to pursue the knowledge of God; we have to strive to know our God.

How well do you know your spouse, significant other, or your best friend? Can you list their likes and dislikes, favorite foods, pet peeves, what makes them laugh, and words that encourage them? Did it take time to learn all of these things? We are encouraged by Hosea to do the same with our God.

We are enheartened to not just know “about” God, but to know God, like we know that one special person in our lives. We want to know what pleases and displeases Him. We want to love Him and know His love for us. We want to spend time in prayer and in His presence. We want to know His peace and forgiveness. We want to know His promises. We want to thank Him and praise Him and worship Him. We want to know the LORD, our God, and be known by Him.

This week strive to know your God. Search the Bible, read His words, explore His promises, spend time in prayer, seek His guidance, offer thankfulness, enjoy His presence, praise His works, and love your God as He first loved you. Strive, work, struggle, fight and be persistent in pursuit of the knowledge of your God.

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we strive to know our God better.

Blessings and the knowledge of the LORD!