Text: Joel 2:13, 2 Chronicles 7:13-14, John 1:19-34, 2 Corinthians 7:8-10
I am the human mama to a baby puppy and, so far, things aren’t going so great.
A dog trainer told us, when Pup was a mere eight weeks old, that we had only one job when it came to training a dog this young: teach him to come when we call his name. “No problem!” we said, and the trainer went on her way.
Well.
It’s been almost eight weeks since then, and if Pup has run off from us once, he’s run off from us a hundred times. It sounded simple in theory: preoccupy him with something, call his name, and give huge praise and a treat or two when he comes running. We’ve tried this, really we have, but do you know what our problem is? Consistency. I use his name for other things like, “Pup! Don’t chew on that!” or “Pup! Stop biting me!” or “Pup! No peeing on the floor!” And I’m not too keen on the idea of toting rewards around with me at all times like a walking dog treat dispenser.
Like I said, things aren’t going so great. And it isn’t the pup’s fault; it’s mine. That adorable, stubborn animal won’t come when I call because I haven’t given him much reason to.
Obviously, this analogy can’t go much further. You and I aren’t dogs, and our heavenly Father certainly isn’t a lazy, annoyed pet owner. But as silly as it sounds, I can see myself in that puppy when he’s looking back at me, the moment of decision in his eyes, trying to decide whether to respond to his master’s call or ignore it. (And lately, he ignores it.)
Repentance is not just turning away from something (our sin); it is turning to Someone (our God). Recognizing and acknowledging our sin is critical, but that is not repentance in full. With the turning away, there must be a turning to.
In his second letter to the early Corinthian church, Paul admits that he caused them grief with his first letter and that he wasn’t sorry about that. Because the grief they felt over their sin was appropriate grief—Paul called it “godly grief”—and it turned them to repentance. It turned them back to God.
The God whom the Corinthian believers turned to nearly two millennia ago is the same God who invites us to turn to Him today. We don’t have to wonder if He is trustworthy or consistent, if He’ll do what He says He will do. Like them, we can look to His Word and to His Son to see exactly who He is.
When I want to know who it is I’m running to, I open my Bible.
I read about the God who created mankind in love and then pursued them when they turned away, bridging the gap between their sinfulness and His holiness at His own unfathomable cost.
I read the stories of the God who never once violated His covenant to His people, despite generations of their broken promises to Him.
I read about the life of the God incarnate who entered this broken world by His own choosing, embodying love, justice, mercy, and hope as He walked among the seeking and the sick, the prideful and the weary.
When I read about this God, I see in black and white that what the prophet Joel said was, and still is, true: “He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in faithful love” (Joel 2:13). He is the God who hears, forgives, and heals (2 Chronicles 7:14).
When I turn from my sin only to turn to myself or to the world, I feel distraught and paralyzed. It can truly seem like there is no way out of the death all around me. But when I turn from my sin to look at the cross—when I turn my eyes to “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29)—I have life. Turning from my sin to myself brings despair, but turning from my sin to God in repentance brings “seasons of refreshing” (Acts 3:19).
Friend, our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He calls us by name and is pleased to receive us, to wash us clean, and to bring abundant, everlasting life to our souls.
God stands ready to show you mercy (Isaiah 30:18). Turn to Him today.
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126 thoughts on "Repentance (2 of 3): Turning to God"
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I know God is good and is in control. He sends me spiritual messages that relates to what’s going on in my life at that time. If He’s not in control who else would know what words and promises that I need to hear to help me get through each day.
Powerful words!!
“Rend your hearts and not your garments” Wow! As I have followed Jesus so far, I had no idea what I was doing – so I followed the culture, the church culture, around me at the time. Now I’ve moved somewhere where the church culture is all about relationships – so much so that there’s not much talk about the God who has a relationship with us! I’ve let myself slip into this culture and I know I now need to rend my heart, not just the outside of my surroundings but truly, deeply inside my heart needs to be turned towards Jesus. Hard, beautiful work.
I throughly enjoyed this study. I always learned that repenting was turning away from sin, but it doesn’t end there. It’s reassuring to know as I turn away from sin, I can turn to God. Forsaking the negative for a better positive.
Wow this was a truly beautiful message. gsjsGGod who
The last two days have been completely crazy and I haven’t spent my normal time in the word. So as I was driving home tonight contemplating the week so far at work and why it felt so off balance…I realized duhh…here I am trying to do it alone again. So I started talking out loud to God in the car and reminded myself that I am a “Child of the one true King.” Then the next song on the radio was the Matthew West song…Child of the one true King…I said God can you speak any louder to me! Amazing. Then I came home and did my bible study and feel more centered…time to turn back to God and repent. I love you too God
I love it! Yay God! He spoke to you so clearly….awesomeness! ❤️
What exactly does it mean to turn to God
What I believe it means is you release everything to him. You give him your struggles, questions, and your control over your life. I also think it means that you really turn to him when youre in need, or joyful, or down. You rely on him and only go to him (in prayer or go to his word) with everything you face. :)
I think turning to God means seeking him through prayer. Instead of turning to social media, friends, Google etc. Pray. Ask him for guidance. Read the bible. Look for God’s hand in everything. Turning to God means making him our first thought or first response and solution to anything and everything.
Great word! He’s the only one we need to turn to, our life is in HIS hands. God is sooo good to us!
I long so much to be refreshed. I feel like I’ve been on the longest journey.
I hope that it comes soon for you, Michelle.
” Turning from my sin to myself brings despair, but turning from my sin to God in repentance brings “seasons of refreshing” (Acts 3:19).” Love this!!
Me too me too!
This is my first SRT study and I’m already hearing from God and growing in so many ways! I love the way that these ladies write. Also, I must say that the Lent book is beautiful and I look forward to opening it every morning!
John just saw Jesus and knew exactly who he was because if the relationship they had. That just hit me like a ton of bricks!
You should try clicker training with your pup…did that with my pugs and it works wonders.
Enjoyed the study today!
What an amazing God we serve!!! Always the same loving and forgiving! He loves me despite my flaws and will never leave me… that is HOPE!!!!
When I run to the world, I find myself sinking in quicksand, or stuck knee deep in mud. My emotions flair unexpectedly, I say and do things I later regret, and I unintentionally hurt those around me in the process. This is not the daughter of the Most High that I long to be. I am so grateful for the reminder today to not just turn from my sin, but to run straight to my Lord and Savior with a repentant heart, ready to receive His forgiveness, mercy, love and healing.
That’s exactly how I feel too – often ruled by my emotions, thinking I can fix myself, and then never quite succeeding (or falling at the first hurdle). Reading that I need to run straight to the Lord for healing and forgiveness and (best of all) peace, is such a welcome reminder today!
I just wanted to mentioned the chapter reference in the text is incorrect. It says “John 12:29” I think you accidentally pressed the two. :) However, another great devo! This is the first study I have done and I’m loving it!
Turning from my sin, from my past mistakes, my short-shortcomings, and learning to turn to Him. Well, now that is powerful. I am seeing and feeling how big our God is!!! He’s so got you!!!!:)
I feel so refreshed after reading today’s message. What a forgiving and merciful God we have. Time and time again I fail but God is there to pick me back up when I’m ready. I can’t wait to see what the future holds as God reveals his plans for my life.
I have a question today for you wise SRT followers- why is it so easy for us to turn to self and not to God after a regret and definitely not to refreshment? Is this just part of being in the fallen world? Thank you for your help with this!
I think that in our society we are so used to “handling” things on our own. All over the place there are slogans like “you can do it”, “just believe in yourself”… We have grown so independant from God that at the first sight of a problem we turn to our resources, our connections, our knowledge. We have to “unlearn” the ways of the world and renew our minds to be as Jesus. It takes discipline and intention to put God as priority and as option #1 always and forever.
I absolutely think it’s a pride thing. There is something shallowly and terribly satisfying about wallowing in sadness and misery, about not wanting to admit you need help, about wanting to remain independent. I think it still allows us to feel that we have dignity and self respect in a backwards way, because we do not allow ourselves to become child-like and subject to God’s mercy. Human pride has been cited as a crippling flaw in literature, music, and stories since the dawn of time. And it is at the heart of our unwillingness to free ourselves from the chains of self-absorbed self-flagellation, subject to the governance of sin, though often we do not recognize it.
I think a lot of it has to do with this idea that I have screwed up my life and made it harder for me. We turn to ourselves because we see ourselves as the ultimate victims of our mistakes. We don’t realize that the greatest offense is against God. I don’t think it’s an active decision to focus on ourselves but more passive because that’s our nature. We are self-centered people. The active decision comes from actually turning to God in times where we feel hurt and regret.
Thank you so much, Ladies! Lauren, I loved what you said about active and passive decision. This really hit home for me. Bless you all!
After reading today, John 6:37-40 came to my heart:
“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
Thank you, Jesus.
I hope your hearts are encouraged today, sisters.
Thank you for this
“rend your hearts and not your garments” (Joel 2:13)
In Jewish culture, you would tear your garments as an outer sign of your inner turmoil. God says this does absolutely nothing. Showing our grief on the outside does absolutely nothing if we don’t make changes in our hearts. If we don’t rend (shred to pieces) our hearts, we cannot truly repent. We have to see the filth in our hearts and want nothing more than to get rid of it.
When faced with sin and struggling with choices, I’ve often called on Jesus for strength to make the right decision, as if guided from above. How much easier and more beautiful to, instead, turn around and face Him, who was behind me all along?
For weeks, I have found myself annoyed and greatly distressed by the smallest of things. Any time something has not gone my way, I have felt disappointment linger deep within my heart. Like a petulant child, I have wallowed in this unwanted despair, sought desperately to control, or most times, just thrown my hands in the air and whined. (Ugh, my poor husband and anyone else who has encountered me these past few weeks – I owe apologies to them all!) But isn’t this how sin gets us? Each time, it’s less about what I do and more about the world around me messing up… which in these ugly, disappointing times are when it’s failing to revolve around me and MY way. My pride is large and all too often in charge.
Yet today, in meditating on repentance, to turn away from my sins TO God, instead of to myself – my perspective shifted. I realize that I do not sin against myself (re: those childish pity parties previously mentioned); I sin against God ALONE. Writing this seems elementary, but so often I beat myself up when I mess up. I wallow in guilt and shame and condemn my failed efforts. And this, this is “selfish grief” and not Godly grief.
Oh, how I needed my eyes opened to this truth today. Turning away from my sins and inward to myself can lead me to despair. But turning away from my sins and upward to God leads me to true repentance. To the only repentance that brings seasons of refreshing. My heart longs for that kind of Godly grief producing repentance and leading to deliverance. My selfish grief keeps me stuck. Godly grief moves me to life, to freedom. So grateful for His ways. And grateful for these “silly” disappointments lately that have stirred His spirit within me to see His truth anew.
Thank you, Lord, for your unending forgiveness and abundant mercies over my wayward heart.
Selfish grief vs. Godly grief. Oh yes, I see it in myself as well . Wisdom here! Thank you, Beverly, for sharing
Wow! Thank you for sharing this. It’s helped me understand the selfish grief in my life and where I am turning inward rather than upward to God.
Amen! Beverly has spoken to my heart. I too have been so consumed with selfish grief rather than Godly grief. You have comforted me in knowing other women experience this. I too am focusing on turning to him for He is good. Thank you for helping me also come to this realization.
“I beat myself up when I mess up. I wallow in guilt and shame and condemn my failed efforts. “And this, this is “selfish grief” and not Godly grief.” Hi Beverly I believe you just described a lot of us . I struggle with this too and today lesson shed true light on my sins . As you said , when I move within instead toward God I’m a mess . God leads us to true repentance Thank you for your email and sharing your journey that so many of us have .
This may be totally obvious, but what is the connection between the devotional and the passage in John 1?
I think it shows how Christ came to wash us clean and to take away our sins, but we have to turn to Him and repent first.
I think the connection is that John the Baptist is baptizing and calling Israel to repent, or turn back to God, just like the prophets before him did. But he’s calling for a turning back to God because Jesus the savior is coming. And Jesus is the ultimate response that God has to our sin and repentance: steadfast love and gracious mercy for people who cannot save themselves from their sin. His love does it for us so that we can turn back to God and have relationship with him. John 1 is pointing to God’s faithfulness in forgiveness.
Was at mass this evening and the priest said something that struck me to the core…. “Neutrality leads to sin”…. I have always been neutral to some issues that i consider sensitive and personal to others. Compromising with others’ way of living and their struggle with their sexuality has always been easy for me. But when the priest said that by being neutral or not doing anything that warrants justice or morally correct can lead us to sin, does it mean that we have to forego other people’s feeling and start condemning them and being judgmental towards them? Ohhh… I’m so confused now.
Becky, on thing our pastor always says is “hate the sin but love the sinner”. We are all sinners and there is no one who sins less or more. We just need to call sin for what it is and know that our Father forgives us all in His grace and mercy
I have to disagree with the “hate the sin, love the sinner” catch phrase that has become so popular. I just don’t find that it holds up biblically. Jesus never said for us to do anything of the sort. Folks like to pair it with the story of Jesus and the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11), where Jesus tells the woman to “go and sin no more.” We are missing the point when we think this passage gives us permission to call out other people’s sins. That’s Jesus’s role in the story. We are more like the Pharisees, and it’s pretty clear what Jesus tells them: “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” He waits until they have left to tell the woman to go and sin no more. In my opinion, it is blasphemy to think we get to be Jesus in this story and tell others to “sin no more.” God alone determines what is sin. God alone gets to judge sins.
Reading back over this post, I am afraid my tone sounds harsh? Not my intent…goodness, Internet communication is challenging sometimes! While I do disagree, I am happy to hear others’ thoughts on “hate the sin, lover the sinner.” Grateful that SRT provides a space for us to share our thoughts with each other.
Thanks for your advice Janae… Truly appreciate it. Hod bless yiu.
Opppss… Was meaning to say… God bless you!
Hi friend! I may not have the best answer for you, but more-so a little nugget that has helped and stuck with me that my pastor at my home church shared once. While we do not have to “agree” with the ways of life of others (whether that be sexuality, or something else) it is our duty and role as followers of Christ to LOVE them. Show them outward love in all that we do. To try and be an example of Christ. Showing that we are not perfect and that we, too, are full of sin. We are in no place of judgement as we all walk different paths of sin, but by showing them (and ourselves) grace and Love, we are able to overcome and see His face more clearly, and possibly, understand where they are in regards to their walk as well.
Thanks for your view on this Samantha. Truly appreciate it.
No I don’t think it means that. I think that he was saying that if we see evil or wrong doing and do nothing, it’s like we are agreeing with it (being neutral). I don’t believe that condemning someone for their beliefs or actions is our place but our actions and words should always shine with the love of our Lord in all things .
Yes.. CandyBeth… You got my meaning right. Nevertheless, thanks forbyour view. Appreciate it.
I don’t think this issue requires the one extreme of having no opinion and doing nothing verus having an opinion and bashing others over the head with it. ;-) Becky, I would encourage you to read through and study 1 Corinthians 13. See, the Corinthians had this idea of what love was (a secular view) — i.e. if I do all these things for God to make Him happy, He’ll love me more. Paul doesn’t correct their wrong view of love by bashing them over the head. He gently shows them what love rooted in faith in Christ looks like. “…love does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth.” (verse 6) This is how we correct people in a loving manner, as Paul does throughout this letter. Verse 7 says, “Love bears all things…” This does not mean love believes the best of everyone, but that love never ceases to trust God, and thus leaves justice in God’s hands. It is in this sense it never loses hope–that God’s justice in the context of God’s goodness will yet prevail where there is human falleness.
There are so many examples throughout the Bible of how God’s people stand up for their faith in a loving way, despite the consequences to themselves. Look at the prophet Daniel. He had a deep compassion for King Neb, in spite of what the king had done to him (like take away his manhood, change his name to a pagan name, take him from his home, etc.), but he still spoke truth to the king and never compromised his faith, even if it meant death. Same with Shadrach, Messhach, and Abednego. Look at Stephen in Acts 7.
I don’t know if there’s a black and white answer to your confusion, but I do know that loving others, knowing when to speak or not to speak, requires wisdom and much prayer–and we’re bound to mess up, but praise the Lord that He uses us in spite of us and for His glory. Seek Him and to follow faithfully after Him and “let your light so shine before men that they see your good works (stemming from a heart of love vs. a heart that seeks to find love from God by doing works) and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5).
Tremendous wisdom you share here, Rachel. Thank you
This is beautifully written and such a thoughtful response.
Rachel, thanks for your insight. Couldn’t agree more with you on this.
That’s a tough one!
I’m Catholic and I struggle with this too, especially with homosexuality. While I don’t believe the Church should perform gay marriage ceremonies (as it’s a sacrament) I don’t have a problem with the Supreme Court legislation. I know homosexuals who are in loving relationships, and even though I know its a sinful lifestyle, I have a hard time reconciling it. I wish I had an answer, but I can relate to your struggle.
Thanks Marriah… It’s tough. But i pray that God understands where i stand on this.
Loving these truths today. When struggling with sin, I so many times have turned to myself, the world or any other distractions and not to the Lord. Needless to say, I have failed miserably when I’ve tried to ‘distract’ myself from sin. It is when I turn to Jesus is when I experience true victory.
ps. I’m also SO thankful about godly grief in my life. :)
Love this, Clara! Thanks for sharing today!
xoxo-Kaitlin
I grew up where going to church was sporadic. Then I went to a Christian college feeling like I didn’t understand scripture enough to give my input in discussions. I never really knew how to study God’s word. Much less share the word of God with others. Yesterday I set the weekly verse as my lock screen, and I simply adore it. I found my self reading it almost every time I saw it. This morning I woke up excited to get to today’s reading first thing. And even more excited to share it with others, a thing I have never been comfortable doing.
Thank you, Lord, for opening our hearts and minds to You! Something that once felt scary and uneasy and is now a place of excitement and eagerness!
I often forget to turn TO GOD. I consistently find I cannot do things on my own, yet I forget to turn to the one who will strengthen me to succeed.
This truth – and this community – is such a blessing to me daily! I don’t usually comment, but I read this verse this morning that also perfectly illustrates our amazing God and turning to Him:
Open your moth and taste,
Open your eyes and see how good God is.
Blessed are you who run to Him.
Ps. 34:8
Be blessed today, sisters!
Thanks for sharing, Jami! So glad you’re here!
xoxo-Kaitlin
This speaks to the state of my heart! When I feel overwhelmed by feelings of not doing enough or inadequacy or lack of discipline, I feel hopeless. I need to stop over thinking things and just look at Jesus. THEN I will experience what I am longing for – renewal.
Love this encouragement, friend. Praying for you to experience His renewal today!
xoxo-Kaitlin
This brought me peace. Thanks God.
As I was reading, I found myself singing Third Day’s “Soul on Fire”.
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/thirdday/soulonfire.html
So much turning to do!
When I fear I remind myself that fear is not of My Lord! (Perfect love, only from God, casts out all fear). He will be faithful and fill that place in your heart with peace and freedom! Stand on that promise! Our God is big enough!! replace
Hi Susan, I’ve always struggled with fear too. Reading Jerry Bridges’ Trusting God has been an awakening. I recommend it highly! Prayers coming your way!
Excuse me while I just fall in love with reading the Bible…
Love this, sweet friend! What a gift it is to read Truth together!
xoxo-Kaitlin
Turn to you Lord. Mercy triumphs over judgement. You love me. My past is embraced. From death to life. From wrong to right, you’re making all things beautiful!
Loving this song by Amanda Cook called Mercy:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLYqcx3fKsSFJIlnUjd5Jq62M_DrWZ8eqN¶ms=EAEYATgBSAFYBmILUXQ5bUp3NHMtSTRoBA%253D%253D&v=sILwvJShMV8&mode=NORMAL
My husband struggles with anxiety and depression. Today this was a reminder to me to love him like Christ loves us.
Praying for you, friend.
Hi Whitney, my son does too. It’s a really hard road and I find myself caught between being understanding and being frustrated both with him and people looking on who think he should be able to just let it go and be happy and confident. It consumes much of his life and affects us all. I will pray for you!
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
Wow! It’s so clear that God does not want us to use sorrow or repentance as a means to wallow in misery or feelings of worthlessness, withdrawing into ourselves. And it is so clear to me that he knew we would misunderstand him, and that our enemies would use this against us. To say “your God promotes self hatred and feelings of constant shamefulness.” No! He wants us to acknowledge our wrongs and prideful ways, learn from our mistakes, and walk with Him in love. What wisdom He brought us through St. Paul.
What a beautiful reminder Molly! Thank you!
I love the reminder that it’s not just turning away from our sin, but it’s also turning TO God.
http://www.in-due-time.com
I love this series for Lent. I love the idea in Acts 3:20, which talks about repenting “that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…” How beautiful that repentance brings about peace and refreshment. That is certainly my experience, and I am so thankful!
We all need this Reminder, daily. I work with a group of amazing high school girls and one of them is really struggling with understanding that she really is made clean and that Jesus is enough to carry the weight of her sin. I can wait to share this amazing truth with her!
I am praying for your high school girl, Kara. :)
This is so true but tearing at your heart can be so painful (tearing away years of sin that you’ve grown so comfortable in). I sometimes fear the hurt that can come with digging deep.
What I have found is that His love and compassion far surpasses the hurt. When I’m willing to do the hard work of exposing the underbelly of my sin, He is right there, reminding me that nothing can separate me from Him. Nothing. He gives me His strength and His peace and His affirmation that I am His beloved daughter. Though hard to imagine, there is joy in the hard journey. I know Him even better. Blessings to you, Meredith
Pondering “Tear your heart, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God.” Ahhhh, if I could root out my sinful nature by just ripping my clothes and donning some sackcloth and ashes,as in Old Testament days! Those superficial actions do not rid me of my sinful habits however. God tells me to tear my heart – to go deeper and search for the underlying cause. Pride? Rebellion? Fear? Mistrust? I must tear that out, not just utter an “I’m sorry” and hope I don’t do it again. Wishing doesn’t make it so. It’s the tearing of my heart : going deeper to really grieve my sin, to realize its far reaching effects and most importantly, what it cost Jesus on the Cross. When I return to the foot of the Cross, return to the Lord my God, with my sinful self, I am reminded that He gave Himself in my place so that I am forgiven and set free. The ineffective sackcloth and ashes are replaced with a white robe of righteousness. “He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in faithful love…” My heart is torn now with gratitude and praise! Now sings my soul!
Beautiful, Churchmouse. Thank you!
This is so true but tearing at your heart can be so painful (tearing away years of sin that you’ve grown so comfortable in). I sometimes fear the hurt that can come with digging deep.
Thank you, Churchmouse. That helps me a lot.
Thank you Churchmouse! That’s very helpful to me!
Thank you! What I needed this morning.
Beautifully said. Amen.
Thank you so much for blessing us with these words!
Beautifully written! Thank you!
“10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”
I have been so swamped in this worldly realm. I have lost sight of the beauty and grace of a life in step with God’s promises. Prayerful that I can turn away from what seems full in the world but holds no substance and turn to God who is merciful and gracious. Thankful for this beautiful SRT community!
I have recently gone back to a particular eating lifestyle for health purposes. The particular plan is strict but leaves me feeling so good and healthy, it helps to give hope for change and correction. It’s complicated and a little time consuming but totally worth it. Last week, I was a 100% on it and felt so good on Saturday that I was running around with my little folk forgetting that I can’t typically do that. I was less stressed, more peaceful and happier. Then came desserts! Saturday night we were gifted some homemade cannoli’s and Sunday our children rec’d a few sweets, in addition to eating at a favorite restaurant that didn’t have many items I could choose from, so I erred a bit. Short of it is, I felt terrible. There were nearly immediate reactions with my health and I was miserable, stressed, sad and disappointed. I knew I would be the minute I took the first bite of that cannoli and yet I still did it and it put me down a path of cravings that was hard to recover from and why? For temporary satisfaction. This is so much like how we treat our relationship with our heavenly Father. We turn away, even for a moment, because we want temporary gratification forgoing the long term well-being. We exchange one thing for the other and find ourselves like a kid in the cookie jar; stuffed, overwhelmed and unsatisfied. When I take my eyes from the stench of temporary relief and turn them to Christ there is immediate peace and satisfaction. I am filled up with a lavish love and immeasurable mercy and hope. Taking my eyes off of myself, my temporal situation and locking in on God allows me to see, have and feel an eternal peace, securing my rudder and leaving me to enjoy the ride versus fearing the storm. Prayerful that daily I turn to the Lord! That I take my eyes off of myself and focus them on my loving Father!
Oh man B, I can soooooo relate. Love and hugs!
Oh man, I am in the same position as you! With both sin and my sweet tooth! I woke up this morning felt disappointed in the food decisions I made this weekend, and also for not turning it over to the Lord. My prayer is to keep trying, pushing forward in both my health choices, and in giving over my sin to the Lord. Thank you for this truth!
Thanks so much! This gives me a new perspective on my journey to feeling better with healthier foods. And on repentance!
I am going to try harder than ever to turn to God instead of dealing with my struggles in other ways.
I’m not sure you need to try harder, but just turn! And like Candacejo shared from Deuteronomy 33:26, ““There is no one like the God of Israel. He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splendor.” Just turn and he will ride across the heavens to help you.
I agree with Susan. Don’t think you need to try harder as if you have the power to change your own heart. Instead remember Psalm 51:17. All God desires from you is a humbled heart, and the Holy Spirit will do the rest. Find peace in resting in Christ today, sister.
It’s amazing how God meets us where we are! If we simply turn to Him and make a habit of spending time with Him (listening to bible podcasts while driving, devotionals like she reads truth, finding a church that helps you grow spiritually all help me!) then the process happens organically. We don’t have to strive or try harder, just make ourselves available to Him.
After repenting of our sin, what are some practical and concrete ways we can turn to God?
Prayer, words of adoration to God (affirming God for who He is), open your Bible and read His word – just a few.
Get down on your knees and ask for wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit. He will lead you and it will not be hard. Read the word regularly and spend time talking to The Lord. Jesus said, my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Following Him daily is the most awesome thing you will ever do. He wants us to be willing and open to Him. God Bless You!
If
If is a sin we struggle with; confess it to a friend, ask for help to be held accountable.
thank you for asking this. I was wondering the same thing. it seemed very metaphorical I was having a hard time understanding what turning to God practically looked like!
Today I am thankful for a God who loves me even in my brokenness when I turned from Him and to other things He continued to pursue me. His relentless love followed my always through the people He sent into my life. Finally in due time I did turn back to Him in repentance. Unfortunately, I do love with a sea of regrets that threaten to overtake me at times but my Bible is always there to remind that I have a living promise of hope in Jesus and my Father is the same today, tomorrow and always!
I feel you. We all have regrets, but that’s the awesome thing about our God – He encourages us to focus our gaze on Him and not our past mistakes…loved your insight!
Love this, Amanda. Not much point in turning away if we don’t turn TO our God! And Open your Bible…a little plug for Amanda and Raechel’s series called just that, Open Your Bible! I am going through it right now and enjoying it very much. Love the fact that it “makes” me literally use my Bible instead of my phone (nothing wrong with that either!) and get in there and highlight, underline, study, examine the Word of God. (This plug was unsolicited!)
Thankful for a God to turn to that hears us when we call and comes running. Found this verse on a blog this week…can’t get away from it! He rides across the heavens!
“There is no one like the God of Israel.
He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splendor.
The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you.”
(Deuteronomy 33: 26-27, NLT)
‘He rides across the heavens to help…” my Knight in Shining Armor! Coming to rescue me from my sins and save me for eternity.
Thanks you! That was just the verse I needed this mooring <3
Oh, great verse! Thx for sharing that! What imagery, Christ my knight in shining armor.
“With the turning away there must be a turning to.” This was really good!! Thank you Jesus that you are the same yesterday, today and forever and you will never leave us! Every time we need to repent I pray we would not just recognize our faults but we would turn to you.
I love this song and found it suiting for this message
From the band Third Day, it’s called “Take my Life” I encourage you all to listen to it. YouTube or google it.
Thank you for the recommendation, Megan. I love Third Day, but had never heard that song. It was a blessing.
Lord help me to give it to you.
Repentance is turning from to
God! We alway say turn from your sin. We never finish saying turn to God! I was touch by this.
Amen. When I turn from my sin to myself or the world dispair follows. Wow. Amen. If I don’t turn to Jesus I’m powerless against my sin. Lord help me to turn to you everytime for without you I’m powerless.
Agreed I to struggle turning to God and Jesus because I managed things on my own for so long. But when I finally do it brings out a huge feeling of relief that I can do that. I NEEDED to hear this to
I appreciate the writing today and the message of repentance being more than just turning away from your sin. It must be turning toward God and Jesus. This is something I struggle with daily because I want so badly to manage everything on my own. This reminder of turning to God in repentance is a blessing to me – I needed to hear this.
Thanks for joining us today, Lindsay! Grateful for you!
xoxo-Kaitlin
Me too!