“Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say: ‘Return, backsliding Israel,’ says the Lord; ‘I will not cause My anger to fall on you. For I am merciful,’ says the Lord; ‘I will not remain angry forever. Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against the Lord your God, and have scattered your charms to alien deities under every green tree, and you have not obeyed My voice,’ says the Lord.” — Jeremiah 3:12-13 (NKJV)

No matter how far we have strayed, God’s heart remains open to us. In this passage, the Lord calls out to Israel, His unfaithful people, urging them to return. Though they had turned to false gods and disobeyed His voice, His mercy remained.

This is the essence of God’s love—He does not delight in punishing His people but longs to restore them. His anger is real, but it is not permanent. His mercy is greater than our failures. His call to Israel is the same call He makes to us today: “Return.”

But there is one condition—acknowledgment. God does not ask us to fix ourselves before coming back to Him. He simply asks us to recognize our sin and turn toward Him. It is a call to humility, to repentance, and to trust in His grace.

Are there areas in your life where you have drifted? Have you been placing your trust in things other than God? He is not waiting to condemn you—He is waiting to embrace you.

Today, take a moment to acknowledge where you have fallen short. Then, take a step back toward God, knowing that His mercy is greater than your mistakes. His arms are open, and His love is unfailing.

Prayer:

Lord, I hear Your call to return. I confess the ways I have wandered and put other things before You. Thank You for Your mercy that never runs out. Help me to walk in obedience and trust in Your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.