Return to Me: Devotion

Return to Me
Marybeth Whalen
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"Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says:
'Return to me,' declares the LORD Almighty, 'and I will return to you,'
says the LORD Almighty."
Zechariah 1:3 (NIV)
Devotion:
At first glance, this verse might seem like God is stand-offish and
distant. Why do we have to make the first move? But actually, this verse
depicts His great love for us. 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 scans 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 time spent in His Word.
Whatever your return looks like, don't put it off any longer. And don't
doubt that He will return to you. Don't believe lies that you are the
exception or that you are asking too much of Him. His Word tells us
differently. Hebrews 7:19 says, "...a better hope is introduced, by
which we draw near to God" (NIV). 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). By Him we draw near
to God. Not because we are worthy, but because He is.
God wants us to return to Him. He stands waiting with open arms, at the
ready to return to us. When He sees us coming, He runs to meet us. "But
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 15:20b, NIV).
Are you ready to make that first move today?
Dear Lord, I need to return to You. Thank You for making it my choice
because You love me and want to be in a real relationship with me. I
thank You for waiting for me with open arms. Today I am choosing to fall
into those open arms again. Thank You that You gave Your Son so that I
can always return to You without shame. In Jesus' Name, Amen.