Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.
Have you ever torn something out of frustration? In scripture we read in several places about people tearing their clothing and putting on sackcloth and ashes. This was a way of showing great remorse and sorrow. In the story of Jonah, the people and even the king of Nineveh did this in response to the word from the prophet that they needed to repent and turn from their wicked ways, or the LORD would destroy them. In the verses above Joel brings this word from the LORD. The LORD doesn’t want the people to tear their garments but their hearts. Is there something on your heart or in your life that you need to repent of? Is God calling you to turn away from something you’ve given too much time and attention? Do not let your heart grow calloused. Return to the LORD and be restored.