The Lord Is Eager

 The Lord Is Eager

This year, as I read through the book of Joel, I found myself personally processing and confessing sins that the Lord revealed in my life. This reflection, inspired by the minor prophets, led me to explore the heart of God regarding repentance. Three key points emerge from Joel: the urgency of when we should repent, the One to whom we must turn, and the truth that repentance is more than outward actions.

While some historians date the book of Joel after Israel’s captivity in Babylon, others suggest an earlier period. Regardless of its historical context, the principles in Joel remain timeless, applicable to every generation. Israel, like all humanity, has a long history of sinning against God. Yet, the opening words of Joel 2:12–13 remind both ancient Israel and modern readers to turn to the Lord of heaven and earth.

1.      When Should We Turn to the Lord?

The Lord calls us to turn to Him with the urgent words, “Even now.” No matter the weight of your sins, the bridges you’ve burned, or the habits you struggle to break, now is the time for repentance. God urges us not to delay or wait until we feel “cleaned up.” Repentance means acknowledging that God is right when His Spirit and Word reveal our sins. This leads us to the One who issues this call.

2.      Who Is Making This Declaration?

Though the prophet Joel pens these words, the call to repentance comes directly from the Lord Himself. He is not a distant, impersonal deity but a personal God who longs for His people to dwell with Him. However, we cannot approach God carelessly. His call demands our hearts to be transformed. This transformation is evident in fasting, weeping, and mourning.

Fasting involves removing distractions—whether social media, food, or entertainment—from our lives. When we crave these things, it should prompt us to turn to God in prayer, confessing our sins and seeking His strength to overcome them. Weeping reflects genuine brokenness over our actions, words, or thoughts—not mere regret for being caught, but sorrow for the damage our sins cause in our relationship with God and others. Mourning allows us to honestly assess the destruction sin brings, reminding us of its collateral damage. These attitudes—fasting, weeping, and mourning—are evidence of true repentance, rooted in faith in Christ’s work on the cross.

3.      He Desires a Torn Heart, Not Torn Clothes alone

True repentance goes beyond outward displays. In ancient Israel, people tore their clothes and sat in ashes to show sorrow, but God calls for something deeper: a torn heart. External rituals mean nothing without a transformed heart—our mind, will, and emotions. God desires authenticity, not a religious mask worn to impress others.

The Lord can be trusted with our hearts. He is gracious, just, and compassionate. As John 8:36 declares, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” God’s grace frees us from the sins that entangle us. His compassion welcomes us, despite our repeated failures, to approach His throne with confidence. Hebrews 4:16 states, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” His patience—being slow to anger—gives us the space to repent and believe in Him. Above all, His faithful love makes repentance possible. The cross was the starting point, the conduit of His unmerited grace, but His love continues to transform us in real-time through His patience, compassion, and grace. This makes Him the only One we can trust with our hearts to overcome sin.

The time to repent is now. God has issued the call, and He desires your heart. Will you surrender it to Him in every area He seeks? Until next month, share the Gospel boldly, for the truth worth sharing transforms lives.

Application Points

•  What sins in your life require repentance?

• Is there someone you need to confess to for sins committed against them?

• When was the last time you reflected on God’s faithful love in your life?

• Do you recognize the compassion of a patient God toward you?

• Have you placed your faith in Jesus for salvation? If not, repent and believe today. Reach out, and we will support you in your walk with Christ.