Return to Me, Says the Lord

"For I AM the Lord, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob. Yet from the days of your fathers you have gone away from My ordinances and have not kept them. Return to Me and I will return to you, says the Lord of Hosts."
(Malachi 3:6,7)

Do you feel like you are as close to the Lord as you would like? Have you decided to keep Him at an arm's length because you don't feel worthy of His love or because you feel ashamed by the condition of your heart - those dark places that only you know about?

Our God is a merciful God, full of compassion and love for His children. He promises, "Return to Me and I will return to you." Jeremiah 24:7 declares, "I will give them a heart to know Me that I AM the Lord and they shall be My people and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart."

The Lord yearns to be in relationship with us. Remember, as Believers, we are in covenant with God - that's why we are not consumed. The Lord does not change - His love is unconditional. But, because of His Holiness, separation occurs if there is no cleansing tide of repentance and forgiveness.

Hebrew for 'return' is shub (shoov) meaning, to go back to a point of departure. Can you see that picture in your mind? Think of the Prodigal Son as he returned to His father. In my mind I can see the son and his father running towards one another, arms outstretched and melting into a warm embrace.

Returning is a wonderful experience. Returning brings restoration...new beginnings.

Returning is a good thing.

Father, Your mercy amazes me - Your patience, Your faithfulness to love us , even though...We all fall short at times, but Your desire for us never fails. Forgive me for breaking Your heart at times with my shortcomings - my sin. Thank You for running to me with arms wide open. Thank You for embracing me with Your love.