Passage: Joel 2:12-14

12 “Yet even now,” declares the Lord,

“return to me with all your heart,

with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;

13 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.

14 Who knows whether he will not turn and relent,

and leave a blessing behind him,

a grain offering and a drink offering

for the Lord your God?

Reflection:

God’s people have the tendency to turn from Him and pursue selfish gain. In Joel, we see God use a locust attack to redirect them back to Himself. Yet, amidst their disobedience and punishment, God offers mercy. This passage reminds us that while consequences come from our own disobedience, turning to God is always the correct next step. He is gracious and merciful and loves us endlessly. He desires our full attention, hearts and souls.

Reflection Questions:

How have you been wandering from God lately?
What areas of your life do you need to return to God?
In what ways does this passage remind you to serve the Lord?
What do you learn about God through this passage?