Day 2.Return to Me
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)
He is not a far-off God; He hasn’t gone anywhere but it’s possible that you have. It may be instead of running to Him to fill you, you have been running to the pantry or the refrigerator. Perhaps, instead of opening up your Bible, you’ve been opening up your smartphone and scrolling through social media.
It’s not sugar, strange habits, or food, but it is another filler.
What do you turn to instead of to Him? Take a few moments today to consider this question.
If you find that you habitually turn to anything but Him, I urge you to deal with your wandering prayerfully and to seek Him faithfully. Weep, mourn, and return to Him for in His presence you will find the joy you’ve been searching for.
The name Immanuel proclaims Jesus’s mission: to be with us. And, by His indwelling Holy Spirit, Jesus remains a very near and present God. Unfortunately, our freedom will allow us to wander from the One who promised never to wander from us. So today, we need to purpose in our hearts (and in our lifestyles too) to turn back to Him—to return.
(W.Speake)