I WILL HEDGE UP THY WAY WITH THORNS

 

JUNE 2.
 
I will hedge up thy way with thorns.
Hosea 2:6

 
THESE words are spoken to the backslider,
  they flow from God's love, and
  indicate painful opposition in the path of declension.
 
It is a fearful thing to be allowed to choose, and
  pursue our own way without obstructions.
  But if God loves us,
  he will oppose us,
  when we are found in forbidden paths;
  he will lay the thorns in our way;
  he will wound us in order to restore us.
 
The wounded child will go home for healing,
  for the sense of pain and danger
  will humble is proud an haughty spirit.
 
Beloved, when you find thorns in your path,
  just stop and ask, “Am I in the right road?”
 
Is this the true pilgrims path?
 
Does this way lead to my Father's house?
 
For the thorns are intended to awaken inquiry,
  produce reflection and bring to repentance.
 
We often see and feel the thorns,
  but we do not see the hand that laid them in our path.
Perhaps we do not dream that it is our heavenly Father,
  but are ready to say “An enemy hath done this.”
 
These thorns are sometimes bodily afflictions,
  sometimes losses and crosses, and
  sometimes opposition from worldly men.
 
But whatever may be the nature of the thorns,
  our Father lay them in our paths.
 

Return, O wanderer, return,

Thy Saviour bids thy spirit live;

Go to his bleeding feet and learn

How freely Jesus can forgive.

 
James Smith 1849