There are times in life when we realize that we just have to make a change. Things cannot stay the same. Something has to budge. Sometimes God feels the same way and He is much more attuned to what needs changing than you or me. If you make space for God in your life, I think that you will find that He is in the business of changing people. I want you to consider this question. If you took the time today to sit down and pray, what do you think God might say needs changing in your life?
The bible has a word for the change God wants for our life. It’s called repentance. Biblically speaking, to repent means to make a change and turn to God for help. Turning to God involves turning away from something else. This is a process of letting go of something old so that you can experience something new. It’s more than just being forgiven by God. It’s making a change. For God, forgiveness and repentance always go hand in hand. There's an old rabbinical saying,
If a man has an unclean thing in his hands, he may wash them in all the seas of the world, and he will never be clean; but if he throws the unclean thing away, a little water will suffice.
When we seek forgiveness without repentance, we are missing the point. God is not just trying to hand out "Get Out of Jail Free" cards. He is calling people into a real relationship. Repentance is a turning around; you make a 180-degree change. If you say want God to work in your life, you must be willing to let go and turn around. It means turning from your sin and turning towards God. It's a real change in your heart and mind.
When we turn around, we find the embrace of a loving Father. When He calls your name, turn around. Repentance is not about perfection; it's about setting a new direction. Maybe it’s time to let go, turn to God, and with open arms embrace all that He has for you. God is closer than you think. Take the time to listen. Make the change.
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
-Matthew 4:17, NIV