CONTRITE

Daily Scripture: Jeremiah 5: 1b-3: “If there is anyone who executed judgment, who seeks the truth, and I will pardon her. Though they say, ‘As the Lord lives,’ Surely, they swear falsely. “O Lord, are not your eyes on the truth? You have stricken them, but they have not grieved; You consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction. They have made their faces harder than rock; they have refused to return.”

God will heal us and restore our land if we turn to him in repentance.
There is nothing as unyielding as a hardened heart. Hearts so hard, like stone, they soon lose all feeling. We do not choose to harden our hearts just like that. Most times we are overtaken by events.
Someone hurts us, so we harden up. A betrayal that hurt so much. Difficulties that bring you to your knees. Needs not met, responsibilities yet, no means of meeting them. Gradually our heart hardens.
Soon we are stranded and solutions seem to spring from everywhere. Answers that take us further from God. We soon forget justice; we stop hearing the voice of God and sins pile up like a wall of separation. Suddenly, God feels so far.
He strikes us, but we blame those around us. He allows us to face trials yet we blame enemies. We made our faces like flint; we refused to hear his voice or return to him. Now, we need him.
Father, we humble ourselves and cry to you. Have mercy on us and forgive our sins. Give us hearts of flesh to feel, hear and follow you. Heal our land. Save us.

Good morning, Contrite.