August 7

In Hosea 4–6, we see the ache of God’s heart. His people are unfaithful—there is no truth, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land. Instead, there is corruption, bloodshed, and spiritual emptiness. God laments, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6).

But He doesn’t just call out sin—He calls His people back:
“Come, let us return to the Lord… He has torn us to pieces but He will heal us.” (Hosea 6:1)
This is not a God who abandons—it’s a God who disciplines to restore. He longs not for surface-level religion but for deep, enduring love:
“For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6)

Psalm 58 is a raw cry for justice. David sees evil going unpunished and calls on God to act. It reminds us that God is not indifferent to injustice. Though we may not always see it immediately, God will judge rightly. In a world full of corruption and oppression, God’s justice is sure—and His timing perfect.

In Matthew 17, Jesus gives His disciples a glimpse of that divine glory on the Mount of Transfiguration. His face shines like the sun. Moses and Elijah appear. And God speaks from the cloud:
“This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”

It’s a breathtaking moment. But almost immediately, Jesus comes down the mountain and finds His disciples powerless to heal a boy. Jesus teaches that faith—even as small as a mustard seed—can move mountains when it’s rooted in trust in Him.

Put together, these passages tell a story:
God is holy and just.
God desires deep relationship over shallow religion.
God reveals His glory not to impress us, but to draw us close and strengthen our faith.

And when we’ve drifted, doubted, or disobeyed? He says, “Come, return to Me.”

To receive daily One Year Bible devotionals directly to your email, sign up here.