Hosea 13:5

Yes, Lord, you indeed knew me in my fallen state, and you even then chose me for yourself. When I was repulsive and self-loathing, you received me as your child, and you satisfied my deep needs. Blessed forever be your name for this free, rich, abounding mercy.

Since then, my inward experience has often been a wilderness; but you have still acknowledged me as your beloved, and poured streams of love and grace into me to make me glad, and make me fruitful. Yes, when my outward circumstances have been at the worst, and I have wandered in a land of drought, your sweet presence has comforted me.

People have not known me when scorn awaited me, but you have known my soul in adversities, for no affliction dims the luster of your love. Most gracious Lord, I magnify you for all your faithfulness to me in trying circumstances, and I lament that I should at any time have forgotten you and grown proud in heart, when I have owed everything to your gentleness and love. Have mercy on your servant in this matter!

My soul, if Jesus thus acknowledged you in your low estate, be sure that you acknowledge both him and his cause now that you are in your prosperity. Do not be lifted up by your worldly successes so as to be ashamed of the truth or of the poor church with which you have been associated.

Follow Jesus into the wilderness: bear the cross with him when the heat of persecution grows hot. He acknowledged you, O my soul, in your poverty and shame—never be so treacherous as to be ashamed of him.

Oh, for more shame at the thought of being ashamed of my best Beloved! Jesus, my soul clings to you.

“I'll turn to you in days of light,
As well as nights of care,
You brightest amid all that’s bright!
You fairest of the fair!”