That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t 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. Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this curse.
Joel 2:12-14a NLT
This leaps off the page to me - Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead. Anyone can accomplish an outward sign. The real question is, Where's your heart?
These are tough times. We seem to all want an end to them, but are we willing to do what is necessary to make the change happen? Will we come to God with fasting, weeping and mourning? Will we render our hardened hearts before God or will we just put on a sad face and say, post or tweet the "right" thing? Are we going through the motions or will we lay our devotions at the feet of Jesus in a desperate prayer for change?
We're not going to find the answers in the headlines. Romans 12:2 tells us, Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Only God can change our hearts and minds... and only when we return to Him.
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us for every act of superficiality - every outward action we've ever taken as a show to someone other than You. Change our hearts, O God! Make us a new creation, according to Your Word. Let our hearts be broken and poured out as we return to You and Your will for our lives as a people, as a nation, and as a world of believers. Let us not withhold anything from You, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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