This has been an unusual year here in El Paso. Dust storms are a normal part of life here, but the frequency and severity of them have taken me by surprise. 2025 is turning out to be the worst year for dust storms since the 1936 Dust Bowl.
We usually stay indoors when one of these storms comes through, but that’s not always an option.
Here’s one action that has not crossed my mind: I have not faced the wind and opened my mouth in hopes of receiving nourishment or refreshment.
But there was a time in history when God accused His people of doing something just as foolish. It’s found in the Book of Hosea:
The people of Israel feed on the wind;
they chase after the east wind all day long.-Hosea 12:1
Hosea exposed the betrayal of God’s people, comparing it to the behavior of an unfaithful spouse. This prophet teaches us that God takes sin seriously and personally.
Hosea challenged God’s people to turn from their idols and stop trusting in foreign alliances to save them. Tragically, they refused. They stubbornly insisted on doing things their way instead of doing things God’s way.
Hosea pointed out the futility of their continued disobedience: they might as well have tried to eat or capture the wind.
This is both tragic and foolish, but let’s be honest with ourselves: We’ve all disobeyed God and ended up with broken, empty hearts as a result. We’ve all been guilty of feeding on the wind.
I’m thankful that Hosea ends with an invitation. God’s people had acted treacherously, yet He invited them to turn back to Him and be healed (Hosea 14). Then and now, genuine repentance is the pathway to restoration.
Father, I ask your forgiveness for those times I’ve willfully disobeyed You. Forgive me for thinking something good could come from sinful choices. I ask for a heart that is quick to turn back to you whenever I stray.
