Joel 1, Joel 2:1-17, Hebrews 3, Proverbs 11:19-28
Joel 2:12-13 (ESV)
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all
your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts
and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and
merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over
disaster.”
In Joel 2:12-13, the Old Testament prophet delivers a
message from God the Father to the people of Judah, who were suffering from
repeated locust plagues that devastated their land. The Lord calls the people
of Judah to repent for their wicked ways. Joel reminds them of God the Father's
grace and compassion for His people. Because He loves them deeply, Father-God
offers mercy and forgiveness, seeking reconciliation rather than punishment.
The Lord gives His people many opportunities for repentance and is willing to
relent from sending disaster because He desires their redemption.
These verses remind us that God the Father always extends an
invitation for those who believe in Him to return. We can demonstrate our
repentance by fasting, weeping, and mourning—by sincerely desiring in our
hearts to return to Him. We must remember that Father-God is always ready to
forgive and restore His children when we allow Him to transform us. The Lord
wants to restore our relationship with Him because He is loving and forgiving.
When I read these verses, I am reminded that I can come back
to the Lord, no matter how distant I feel from Him. It is wrong to think that
God the Father will never forgive me. He is always willing to forgive because
He desires a restored relationship with me, as long as I am willing to repent
and transform my life. I know that I do not have to do it alone; I have the
guidance of the Holy Spirit to help me return to the Lord.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel moved to place
your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who loves you and always desires
reconciliation—this could be your moment. Open your heart to Him, speak to Him
in the following prayer, and express your trust in Him. Share your desire to
walk with Him and welcome His presence into your life. God is faithful and
stands ready to meet you wherever you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for
all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart
that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is
my Lord and Savior. Right now, I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of
salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made
new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of
Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit-filled, full-Gospel,
Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s
love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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