One of the readings that I’ve been going through the past few days has been Joel.

Joel is one of the Old Testament prophets.  They would bring a message of repentance to the people.  The would come forth and say, you have not been living as the Lord wants.

You have forgotten His way.

You have broken His law.

And because of your sin – judgement is coming.

When we read through the prophets, we can become keenly aware of our sin and the consequences  of our sin for ourselves, and for those that we love.

But in Joel, and every prophet, we see a moment like this in the text.  The Lord has condemned the people and condemned their sin.

And today, we read this:

12 Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; 13rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.

Yes, our sin has consequences.  Yes, it brings great harm to us, and to others.  Yes it separates us from God.

And yes, today, God is willing to forgive.

God is willing to give us another chance.

If we will return to God, He will give us forgiveness.  If we will return to God, He will give us a fresh start.

With God, today, we find that this is a new day.

Each new day, God wants us to have another chance.

Each new day, God gives us the chance to start over.

Even today. Today is a new day.  May we return to God.  May we find that God gives us another chance. And may we find the life He offers.