Return to me
Today's focusGod invites his people to return with all their heart — rending hearts, not just garments — because he is gracious, merciful and abounding in steadfast love.
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 journey toward the cross begins with a direct invitation from the Lord: "turn ye even to me with all your heart." Sometimes, we focus on outward signs of change, but God looks deeper. He calls you to "rend your heart, and not your garments." This means that true repentance is not about a public show or a mere change in your routine. It is a quiet, sincere opening of your inner self to the Presence of God, setting aside distractions to seek His face with honesty.
You can approach Him with confidence because of who He is. The passage reminds you that "he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness." He is not a God who waits to condemn, but one who desires to "leave a blessing" behind Him. Whether you feel close to Him or far away, the call is the same for everyone—from the elders to the children. As you begin this season, trust in His mercy and let your heart be softened by His steadfast love.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
As Lent begins, what would it mean for you to return to God 'with all your heart' rather than just outwardly?
Pray
Gracious and merciful God, I return to you today with all my heart. Tear down whatever is only outward show in my faith. Thank you that you are slow to anger and rich in steadfast love.