Scripture: Joel 2:12-14
Welcome to week 1 of Lent 2025! This year, we’re diving deep into what it means to walk with Jesus during these 40 days of reflection, repentance, and renewal. Each week, we’ll explore a different theme, grounded in Scripture, and we’ll share some practical ways you can apply these truths to your life. Whether you’re reading this with your morning coffee, during a quiet moment, or in between the busyness of your day, my prayer is that this series will inspire, challenge, and encourage you in your faith journey.
So, let’s get started with Week 1: The Call to Repentance and Renewal.
Returning to God with All Our Hearts
Lent is a season of returning to God. It’s about taking a step back from the noise of life and asking ourselves, “Where have I drifted from God? What do I need to let go of to draw closer to Him?”
The prophet Joel puts it so beautifully in Joel 2:12-14: “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity.
Isn’t this powerful? God is calling us to return to Him – not with empty rituals or outward displays, but with our whole hearts.
What Does Repentance Really Mean?
Sometimes, we think of repentance as just saying, “I’m sorry,” but it’s so much more than that. Repentance is a U-turn. It’s recognizing that we’ve been heading in the wrong direction and making a conscious decision to turn back to God.
Think about it like this: If you’re driving and realize you’re going the wrong way, you don’t just keep going, right? You turn around. That’s repentance. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary for our spiritual growth.
And here’s the beautiful part; when we repent, God doesn’t scold us or turn us away. He welcomes us with open arms, just like the father in the story of the prodigal son. We all know that story – The son squanders his inheritance, hits rock bottom, and decides to return home. And what does his father do when he sees him afar off? He runs to him, embraces him, reinstates him and throws a party!
This is the heart of God. No matter how far we’ve strayed, He’s always ready to welcome us back.
Practical Steps for Repentance and Renewal
So, how do we put this into practice? Here are a few practical steps to help you respond to God’s call to repentance and renewal this Lent:
- Examine Your Heart: Take some time this week to sit quietly with God. Ask Him to show you areas in your life where you need to turn back to Him.
- Fast and Pray: Consider fasting from something meaningful – maybe it’s food, social media, or a habit – and use that time to pray and seek God’s presence.
- Confess and Let Go: Be honest with God about your sins. Confess them and then let go of the guilt. Remember, His forgiveness is greater than your mistakes.
- Seek Accountability: Share your Lenten journey with a trusted friend or small group. Having someone to walk with you can make all the difference.
A Question to Reflect On
As I conclude this post, I want to leave you with a question to reflect on: What is one area of your life where you need to repent and turn back to God? Take a moment to sit with that question, react and respond to it, and if you feel led, share your thoughts in the comments or with a friend.
Let’s pray together:
Lord, thank You for Your grace and compassion. Help us to return to You with all our hearts this Lent. Show us where we need to repent and renew our spirits as we draw closer to You. Amen.
Let’s Journey Together
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, as we reflect on the call to repentance and renewal, let’s remember that Lent is not just about giving something up – it’s about drawing closer to God and allowing Him to transform our hearts.
Be sure to take a moment this week to sit with the question I asked earlier: What is one area of your life where you need to repent and turn back to God? Whether it’s through prayer, fasting, or simply taking time to reflect, I encourage you to take that first step toward renewal.
And remember, you’re not alone in this journey. We’re all walking this path together, leaning on God’s grace and supporting one another along the way.
Until next time, may God’s peace and presence be with you.
Blessings,
