God invites us to return to Him with our whole heart, and He is ready to welcome us.
“Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.”Joel 2:12-13 (KJV)
What does “Turn back” mean in Joel 2:12-13?
The Hebrew word for turn is shuv, which means to turn back or return. Rend your heart describes tearing the inside, a real sorrow and not only a show of grief on the outside.
Going deeper
Joel spoke to a people who had drifted from God and were facing hard times. His call is urgent, but the tone is not harsh. He says turn ye even to me, and then he gives the reason: the LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness. The invitation to return rests on God's character, not on our record. He is far more ready to receive us than we are to come.
Tearing clothes was the ordinary way to show grief in that world, and it was easy to do for show. Joel asks for something deeper, a heart that is truly broken over what has gone wrong. Lent is a good time to ask what has quietly drawn you away from God. It may be a habit, a resentment, or simply a crowded schedule. Name it to Him plainly, and turn back with your whole heart, not just a part of it.
Reflect
What has quietly pulled you away from God, and what would it look like to turn back with your whole heart?
Pray
Gracious Father, I turn back to You with my whole heart. Thank You that You are slow to anger and rich in kindness. In Jesus' name, amen.
Get the Daily Word by email
One short study, a verse, and a prayer in your inbox each morning. Free, for anyone, anywhere.
By subscribing you agree to receive one email a day from Light of Christ Christian Church. You can unsubscribe at any time with one click.