Rend your heart
Today's focusGod calls his people to turn to him with all their heart, with fasting and weeping, and to tear their hearts rather than their clothes, because he is gracious, merciful and slow to anger.
Read
12Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13And 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. 14Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God? 15Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: 16Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. 17Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?
Reflection
The Lord calls you to "turn ye even to me with all your heart." Sometimes, it is easy to focus on outward signs of devotion, but this passage invites you to look deeper. Rather than simply going through the motions or performing an external show of grief by tearing your clothes, you are encouraged to "rend your heart, and not your garments." This is an invitation to bring your sincere, inner self before God. He values a heart that is truly open and turned toward Him more than any outward display.
As you begin this journey of fasting and prayer, remember the character of the One you are seeking. You can approach Him with confidence because "he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness." God is not looking for a reason to push you away; He is ready to "leave a blessing" as you gather with others to seek His face. Whether you are mourning or simply seeking His presence, you can trust that He hears the cry of His people to "spare thy people, O LORD."
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
As this fast begins, what would it mean for you to turn to God with your heart and not only with outward actions?
Pray
Gracious and merciful God, I turn to you at the start of this year with my whole heart. Keep my fasting from being only an outward show. Soften my heart and draw me close to you.