INVITED TO LOVE
That is why the LORD says, “Turn to Me now, while there is time. Give Me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.”
Return to the LORD your God, for He is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.
Joel 2:12-13 (NLT)
It is not too late to turn back to God if you still breathe air in your lungs. In this passage, God is calling His people back to Him. This might be the exact invitation you need today to turn back to Him.
Do you genuinely believe that God is eager to receive you? Do you believe that His desire for you is good and not to punish you? Do you believe that His default posture towards you is love? I’m sure you’ve experienced a failure or mistake that you thought might change God’s heart towards you, but the Scriptures teach us that God wants us to come back to Him. He isn’t expecting you to figure it all out, but go to Him bearing the weight of your baggage, past hurts and mistakes, mourning and weeping.
God is not looking for specific acts of atonement, ritual sacrifices or good deeds. Instead, He desires His people to be with Him. God wants His people by His side, wrapped up in the joy of His presence. He just wants you to come back to Him. And He wants you just as you are. Bring your burdens to God. His shoulders are big enough to carry them.
APPLICATION: Is there an area of your life or heart that needs to return to God? He’s not waiting to punish you but to embrace you. Today, take a step toward Him and trust His response towards you is one of love.
PRAYER: Father, I hear Your call to return to You. Thank You for Your unfailing love. Soften my heart and help me to surrender fully to You, knowing that Your love is always ready to restore and renew me. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?