Do you hear His voice today-

– beckoning, “Come, return”?Turning to God means . . .

1. Recognizing. The first part of turning is recognizing that behaviors rigorously rationalized are the real issues in your heart.
What has to go?

As you let God shine His light on your activities and inner thoughts, you’ll realize, “This is wrong or harmful to me and to those I love.”

I recognize this for what it is:
Sin.

That used to be attractive, but it repulses me now.
Sin is a barrier to returning, and we have to open our eyes and see clearly.

2. Repenting. When you see what got you where you are, you don’t want it anymore.
You’re ready to be honest with yourself and with God.

“I’m wrong, God. I’m sorry for what I’ve done. I have no excuse for my choices. I’m unworthy, I’m undeserving, but I’m returning.”

There is no downpour of mercy without returning, and there is no returning without repentance.

3. Returning. If you want to experience the downpour, then you have to come back.

This is not just an emotional response or flippant change of mind; it’s also an exertion of your will to get moving again in the right direction.

It’s a choice:

“I’m leaving this sin behind. I don’t want this anymore.

I’m not hanging around that temptation.

I’m shutting it off and moving away.

I’m returning to the Lord.

I want what God has for me-

– first, most, and best. Amen.”

(PR)