RETURN TO YOUR FATHER
Therefore say to them, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Return to Me," says the Lord of hosts, "and I will return to you," says the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 1:3
God's arms are always wide open to embrace His children. When we are in fellowship with Him He holds us close to His bosom. When we move away from Him, He still keeps His arms open and out calling us to return. Like the prodigal's father, He waits patiently for our return. He doesn't find us, shake us and demand us to account for our whereabouts. Instead He looks out over the horizon for our return.
Hoping, but not forcing. Waiting, but not pressuring. Ultimately He gives us free will. We choose when and if we return. And when we do, He promises to return to us. He is a gentleman who doesn't force Himself upon us. God has to see us move of our own free will. That element of choice is intrinsic in His relationship to us.
Returning to God is a practice we will have to engage in over and over in life. The point is not how many times we return to Him, but that we make the effort to do so each time it is necessary. Perhaps you need to return to Him physically--recommitting to meeting with Him in church on a weekly basis. Perhaps you need to return to Him emotionally-determining to trust Him in a difficult time. Perhaps you need to return to Him spiritually-committing to regular prayer and the study of His Word.
God made the ultimate way for us to return through His Son, whose death on the cross allowed us to approach the throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).
Are you ready to return to Him today?
Prayer: Father, you are my God and my Father. To you I belong forever.
Scriptural Reading: Zechariah 1:1-6
