Whether traveling abroad or exploring locally, among my favorite things to photograph are doors with character. My favorites range from weather-weary ones adorned with rusty metal hardware to cheerfully painted others with flower pots on the doorstep. 

These images came to mind today as I was reflecting on my reading in the Book of Hosea because a short but beautiful phrase caught my attention:

                                                       “A DOOR OF HOPE”

I know a photogenic door when I see one, but what does a door of hope look like?

In the context of this particular book of the Bible, God portrays the idolatrous Kingdom of Israel as an unfaithful wife and the Valley of Achor as a place for her judgement. To symbolize the strained relationship between God and Israel, God instructs the prophet Hosea to marry an adulterous woman, and among their children are Lo-ruhamah and Lo-ammi. “Lo” being Hebrew for “no” or “not,” the translations of these children’s names are “no mercy” and “not mine,” which reflects God’s judgement upon and disassociation with Israel. 

But then the story takes a turn. Suddenly, Lo-ammi becomes Ammi (“mine”), and Lo-ruhamah becomes Ruhamah (“mercy’), and we see the judgement of God give way to His loving character and redemptive purpose. And in the midst of the Valley of Achor (recognizing that valleys signify low points), He offers a door of hope. 

But hope for what? 

Although this passage is specifically painting a picture of hope for a restored relationship between Israel and God, we are afforded one of those tremendous moments when scripture can be applied to any number of situations in our lives. 

What low point are you presently needing a door of hope for? 

Hope in light of the bad medical news you recently received? 

Hope for that job you desperately need? 

Hope for deliverance from something that has a chokehold on your life and steals your joy? 

Hope for better relationships with your family? 

Hope for brighter days ahead? 

Hope for something to fill that gnawing emptiness in your soul?

I’m thankful that God is rich in love and mercy and graciously provides us with a door of hope in response to our needs. In fact, the Bible tells us that door is not just some inanimate thing; it is a Person. Jesus says, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved….” It is in Jesus, that our ultimate door of hope for any circumstance of life is found.

The English minister Edward Mote beautifully expressed that hope in these verses of a very familiar hymn:

“My hope is built on nothing less

than Jesus' blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

but wholly lean on Jesus' name.

“His oath, his covenant, his blood,

support me in the whelming flood;

when all around my soul gives way,

He then is all my hope and stay.”

Whatever you may be facing this day, remember that God loves you and has provided a door of hope. Look for it, for it most certainly may be found. And when you have found it, enter in.