Joel 2:12-17
The Lord says, “Now, come back to me with all your heart. Go without food, and cry and be sad.” Tearing your clothes is not enough to show you are sad. Let your heart be broken. Come back to the Lord your God. He is kind and shows mercy. He doesn’t become angry quickly. He has great love. He would rather forgive than punish. Who knows? Maybe the Lord will change his mind and leave behind a blessing for you. Then you may give grain and drink offerings to the Lord your God. Blow the trumpet in Jerusalem. Call for a special time of going without food. Call for a special meeting. Bring the people together. Make the meeting holy for the Lord. Bring together the elders. Bring together the children, even babies that still feed at their mothers’ breasts. The bridegroom should come from his room. The bride should come from her bedroom. The priests, the Lord’s servants, should cry. They should cry between the altar and entrance to the Temple. They should say, “Lord, have mercy on your people. Don’t let them be put to shame. Don’t let other nations make fun of them. Don’t let people in other nations ask, ‘Where is their God?’” Joel 2:12-17 (ICB)
Have you ever been the one in charge of finding a new location….and got lost? I mean, really lost?
Have you ever had the greatest of intentions, but really messed up?
Have you ever known the right choice…and then chose the wrong?
Yep…me too. It is SO easy to know what we should do, and then we often stray from God or don’t see God’s presence as we go the other way.
Take some time today to evaluate your faithfulness. Are you feeling far away from God?
God says, “Come back to Me with all your heart.” That means God always wants us close to Him—even when we mess up. In this Bible story, God tells His people that saying “sorry” isn’t just about words or looking sad on the outside. What really matters is what’s happening in our hearts.
The best part? God is kind and loving. He doesn’t get tired of forgiving us. When we choose to turn back to God, He is happy to welcome us with open arms. And God invites everyone—kids, grown-ups, families—to come together and follow Him.
When we make mistakes, we don’t need to hide. We can always run back to God, because He loves us.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for all you are and all that you have made me to be. Thank You for loving us and forgiving us. Help us to follow You with our whole hearts….no matter what. Amen.
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