“Rend your hearts and not your garments”
If we are to draw near to God, we must first humble ourselves; for God hates a haughty heart and pride (Prov. 8:13; 11:2; 16:18; 21:8; Jam. 4:6). As we are going through a critical phase of our lives, let us call upon the LORD for He says, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chron. 7:14). If anyone humbles before the LORD, He always listens and hears (Mat. 8:2, 8-9; 9:2, 22, 28).
The prophet Joel talked about the devastation of Palestine and of the coming famine. But even then, what the LORD desired was for His people to humble themselves and turn to Him. Not just an outward show of humility, but one that comes from the heart. If they did so, the LORD is always ready to receive us because “he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster” (Joel 2:13).
The LORD says, “I am the LORD your God and there is no one else” (Joel 2:27).
Come now. Let us humble ourselves, call upon the LORD and be in fellowship with Him.