Return and Pray

Like the people in the prophet Joel’s day, we need to return to God and pray.

“’Return to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, weeping and mourning; and tear your heart and not merely your garments’ … He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in mercy.”—Joel 2:12–13 NASB

The prophet Joel warned God’s people of imminent danger. He wanted them to see that the world was filled with serious problems and that something needed to be done. He urged them to wake up and recognize how sin had ravaged the land.

Though all appeared hopeless, God was ready to help them. It was not too late for the Lord to intervene in their circumstances and change the course of events. But He was watching to see what their response would be.

What did they need to do? First, they had to return to God with their whole hearts. This meant recognizing their sins and being serious about making changes. It also meant humbling themselves, repenting, seeking God’s face, praying, fasting, and even weeping!

Joel could have been describing the conditions in our world today. If we would wake up and look around, we would see the devastation of sin everywhere. We would realize that God’s name has been mocked and people are rejecting His laws. Like the people in Joel’s day, we face God’s judgment unless we heed the message of repentance and turn to Him, call out to Him, and seek Him.

Who needs to turn from sin and cry out to God? Everyone. No one is exempt, and nothing is more important.

Today, get serious with God. Remember that He “is gracious and compassionate.” He is eager to forgive and restore us when we seek Him.

Reflection Question: Write a prayer of repentance and restoration.