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~Return to Me~

  " Return to me, and I will return to you," says the Lord Almighty."

- Malachi 3:7-


  No matter how far we run, flee, hide, deny, or try to ignore God, all He asks is for us to come back to Him when we are ready. He promises to return to us when we return to Him. The amazing thing about God is that He meets us right where we are. He meets us when we reach out and come back to Him. In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15 tells the story of the Prodigal Son's return. This story illustrates the actions of a son who was selfish and left his father in search of better. The son comes across hard times and realizes what a fool he has been. The son decides to repent, return to his father's house, and beg for a place again. The beauty of the story is when the son returns, ashamed and humbled, expecting to be disowned or scolded, the father excitedly welcomes him home and celebrates him. He meets him where he is and returns to the lost son. The book of Luke states, "... While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him" (Luke 15: 20). 


  Sometimes it can feel like the Lord is far from us. We call out to him, begging Him to show up, change our situations, and make himself known to us. Maybe at times, we even feel He has forgotten about us.  David in the book of Psalms expressed feeling this way. We are not alone in feeling forsaken at times. "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent" (Psalm 22:2).  Could it be, though, that we have forgotten about HIM? That we have left and put Him to the side?



   It isn't enough to simply say His name and idly speak words asking God to change our situations and show up. If we are not changing our hearts or being in a posture to hear or receive His presence or word, are we genuinely returning to Him?  Perhaps we are missing Him because we are unwilling to change or accept what He tries to tell us. Ouch, what a challenging thought that is to swallow. Don't push Him off; FULLY commit to Him, return, run, surrender, and go back to Him. There you will find the fullness of God, His place in you, and you in Him. Again we see in Malachi 3:7 "...Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty" and Ezekial 36:26 "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you..."that when we come to the Lord and ask Him to return, invite him to work in our hearts, restoration is quick.


   Even when we come to God as the son in this story did, when we feel guilty, ashamed, unworthy, or broken.. like we are too far gone... God shows us compassion and lets us know that we are welcome. In fact, our return is celebrated, and we are immediately restored to Him. Maybe your absence has been a long and intentional disregarding who God is. Perhaps you have let other things distract you or take His place. Perhaps you feel separated from the Presence of the Holy Spirit. All we have to do is repent. Repent means to re-path ourselves, to change our way. Return back to the Lord, and His presence will return to you. Ask, and He will be with you; He is here waiting for the invitation to return to the one He loves. Will you invite Him back today? 


  Song suggestions for your night: Back to the Father by Josua Dufrene 


Covenant Worship - Back to the Father (Lyrics) - YouTube


Run to the Father by Cody Carnes 

Cody Carnes - Run To The Father (Official Lyric Video) - YouTube


Hugs,

Em

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