"He Wants You Back"

Returning to God: A Call for Spiritual Revival

In a world that often pulls us in countless directions, it's easy to find ourselves drifting away from our spiritual foundations. The concept of "backsliding" may sound old-fashioned, but it remains profoundly relevant in our modern lives. Today, let's explore what it means to return to God and reignite our spiritual growth.

The book of Jeremiah offers a powerful message of both warning and hope. For centuries, the people of Judah had rebelled against God, setting up false idols and turning away from His teachings. Yet even after years of disobedience, God's message remained constant: "Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the Lord, and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you. For I am merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger forever." (Jeremiah 3:12)

This passage reveals the heart of God – a heart of unfailing love and boundless mercy. No matter how far we may stray, He is always ready to welcome us back with open arms. But what does it truly mean to "backslide," and how can we recognize if we've fallen into this spiritual trap?

Backsliding isn't just about blatant rebellion or falling into obvious sin. It can be as subtle as failing to grow spiritually, becoming stagnant in our faith journey. It's a gradual process of drifting away from God, often so slow we hardly notice it happening. We might still attend church, say our prayers, and go through the motions of faith, but our hearts have grown cold and distant.

So how can we recognize if we're in a backslidden state? Here are a few questions to ponder:

1. Has your passion for God's Word diminished?
2. Do you find yourself constantly critical of others, especially fellow believers?
3. Has your prayer life become routine or non-existent?
4. Are you growing spiritually, or just maintaining the status quo?
5. What words have been coming out of your mouth lately? Do they reflect a heart aligned with God?

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 15:18 that "those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart." Our words are a powerful indicator of our spiritual condition. If we find ourselves constantly speaking negatively, criticizing others, or using language that doesn't honor God, it's a clear sign that our hearts need realignment.

The good news is that God's grace is always sufficient. No matter how far we've drifted, He is ready and willing to restore us. But it requires action on our part. Jeremiah 4:3 tells us to "break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns." This vivid agricultural metaphor speaks to the need for spiritual renewal – we must break up the hardened soil of our hearts, allowing God's love and truth to take root once again.

Consider the story of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33). As long as Peter kept his eyes fixed on Jesus, he was able to do the impossible. But the moment he became distracted by the wind and waves, he began to sink. How often do we find ourselves in similar situations? We start our spiritual journey with enthusiasm, but as life's storms rage around us, we lose focus and begin to sink into doubt, fear, or apathy.

Yet even in Peter's moment of failure, Jesus was right there to lift him up. The same is true for us today. No matter how deep we've sunk into spiritual lethargy or rebellion, Jesus is always ready to extend His hand and pull us to safety.

The journey back to God begins with a simple yet profound step: repentance. It's about turning away from our self-centered ways and reorienting our lives toward God. This isn't just a one-time event, but an ongoing process of aligning our hearts with His.

Imagine standing before Jesus, face to face. How would you feel if you knew you had been living in a backslidden state? Would you be filled with regret for the opportunities missed, the blessings forfeited, the intimacy with God that you sacrificed? The good news is that we don't have to wait for that moment. We can choose today to return to Him, to break up the fallow ground of our hearts, and to seek His face with renewed passion.

Remember the story of Lazarus (John 11:1-44)? When Jesus called him out of the tomb, Lazarus emerged still bound in grave clothes. Jesus then commanded those around to "loose him, and let him go." In the same way, when we return to God, He not only brings us back to life spiritually but also wants to set us free from the bindings of our past – our sins, our failures, our doubts, and our fears.

As we reflect on these truths, let's consider a few practical steps we can take to return to God and reignite our spiritual growth:

1. Commit to daily time in God's Word, not just reading, but meditating and applying its truths.
2. Cultivate a vibrant prayer life, speaking to God throughout your day.
3. Surround yourself with fellow believers who will encourage and challenge you in your faith.
4. Serve others, allowing God's love to flow through you.
5. Regularly examine your heart, asking God to reveal any areas of rebellion or stagnation.

The path of returning to God is not always easy. It requires humility, honesty, and a willingness to change. But the rewards are immeasurable – renewed joy, deepened peace, and a closeness with God that surpasses all understanding.

Today, hear God's loving call: "Return, ye backsliding children." He's waiting with open arms, ready to pour out His love, forgiveness, and transforming power. Will you answer His call? The choice is yours, and the time is now. Let this be the day you break up the fallow ground, turn your eyes back to Jesus, and experience the fullness of life He has for you.