SCRIPTURES:
That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now while there is time. Give me your hearts and come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Do not 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.”
DEVOTIONAL:
God doesn’t ask for a performance. He asks for a return. “With all your heart… with fasting… with weeping.” That’s not manipulation - that’s sincerity. “Rend your heart” means stop tearing your life on the outside while your inside stays untouched. God isn’t after dramatic moments; He’s after surrendered hearts.
And then - right in the middle of the call to repent - God reveals His nature: gracious, merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love. That means repentance isn’t running toward an angry God. It’s running toward a good God.
QUESTIONS:
1. What have I been tearing outwardly that God wants to heal inwardly?
2. Where am I resisting surrender?
3. Do I believe God is more willing to forgive than I am to confess?
PRAYER:
Father, I return to You. I don’t want shallow religion. I want a clean heart and a steady spirit. Draw me close. Amen.
FASTING FOCUS:
Fast a meal and use the hunger to whisper: “Lord, I return.”