God’s Invitation to Come Back

 Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity (Hosea 14:1, ESV).

As I walked out of church on a recent Sunday morning, something felt “off.” I faced the upcoming week with dread. My spirit was heavy instead of refreshed.

Worship services had always energized me and left me excited about the days ahead. The songs were uplifting. The sermon was challenging, yet inspirational. I had connected with several friends and even made plans for the week ahead. So why was I feeling so drained? What was different?

Then I realized what was missing. I had gone through all the motions, but I skipped the most important one: I had not connected with God.

To my knowledge, I had not done anything to distance myself from God. I wasn’t struggling with sin or disobedience. But I had allowed something more commonplace to consume me: weariness. Life had been hectic. Over-packed schedules and activities had left little time for relaxation. My daily quiet time had suffered. This had been going on for months. I just hadn’t noticed it.

Yet through that entire time, one word had continued to echo in my spirit: “come.”

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV).

Rest sounded wonderful—just what my weary soul needed. But getting there meant I had a decision to make. I needed to stop and turn to God. Stepping away from an over-busy schedule wasn’t easy. Demands were still present. I had to find time to juggle appointments, a full-time job, and family medical issues. While busyness in itself isn’t considered “sinful,” it was clearly causing me to stumble spiritually. It had created a wedge between me and God, and I needed to repent.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded (James 4:8, ESV).

Being double-minded doesn’t sound sinful, but James specifically calls it out. The remedy? Purify your heart and draw near to God. In Hosea 14, God calls Israel to return to Him. In return, He promised to heal and love them (v. 4). If God was willing to accept Israel over blatant wickedness, certainly He could heal a rift created by a weary heart. All I needed to do was draw near.

God extends an open invitation for us to “come.” When we turn to Him, God offers us restoration, healing, and rest. We just need to take that first step.

What do you need to lay down today in order to turn to God and give Him your full attention?

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Scripture is quoted from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®). ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved; and THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.