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Divine Dispatch
Joel 2:12-13
Return to God: Opening Our Hearts to His Love
Verse Of The Day:
"‘Even now,’ declares the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.’ Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity." (Joel 2:12-13)
Imagine losing something precious, like a favorite toy, and feeling so sorry that you promise to take better care of it. That’s how God wants us to feel when we drift away from Him. In Joel 2:12-13, God invites us to return to Him with our whole hearts, not just with outward actions but with sincere love and trust.
God doesn’t want us to just “look sorry” by doing something outward like tearing clothes, which was a custom in ancient times. He wants us to truly open our hearts to Him, letting Him fill us with His love and forgiveness. When we turn back to God, He welcomes us with compassion, patience, and an abounding love that never runs out.
Returning to God means saying, “Lord, I’m sorry, and I want to follow You again.” He’s always ready to forgive us and bring us closer to Him. Let’s choose to return to God every day, trusting His love to guide us.
Heart Return Craft:
Create a “Heart Return” craft at home! Cut out a large heart from paper or cardboard and write “Return to God” in the center. Around the heart, write words like “Love,” “Forgiveness,” “Compassion,” and “Grace.” Decorate it with colorful designs like stars, crosses, or flowers to remind yourself that God’s love welcomes us back no matter what. Hang it up as a reminder to turn to God with your whole heart. This craft helps kids understand how returning to God brings His love into their lives.
Time For A Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for Your love and compassion that welcomes us back when we drift away. Help us to return to You with all our hearts, trusting in Your forgiveness and grace. Teach us to follow You closely and to remember that You are always waiting for us with open arms. Amen.
Keep turning to God, Faith Force Heart Seekers! Until our next Divine Dispatch, remember that God loves you deeply and is always ready to welcome you back. Let’s open our hearts to His love and walk closely with Him each day.
