Return to Me

“Even now, return to me with your whole heart for I am gracious and merciful.” Joel 2:12-13

During Lent, the Lord reminds us to have a contrite and humble spirit. Even if our sins make us scarlet from infidelity to God, it is never too late to turn to Him. In Catherine Marshall’s book, “Beyond Ourselves”, she enumerates reasons why sin is so deadly. 

“Our sins come between us and God and make it difficult to feel His presence. They are like mud and dirt thrown up on the window pane, shutting out the sunlight.

“Even small sins narrow down the channel by which life and vitality flow to us, thus choking off creativity. But often we don’t understand the connection between our lack of productivity and sin.

“Our wrongdoings cut us off from other human beings. God reaches down to hold my hand. With my other hand I touch the lives of fellow human beings. Only as both connections are made can power flow. And sin will break the connection every time. Isn’t that why Jesus warned us that if we want forgiveness for ourselves, we’d better forgive others?” 

This Lent, let us turn back to Him who is the fount of all joy. “For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee.” (Psalm 86:5)