Welcome to the Season of Teshuvah
Each year in the month of Elul, we prepare both ourselves and our families for the Fall Feast of the Lord. It’s a time for repentance, or teshuvah, as well as focusing on self-reflection, making amends, and getting ready for the Lord’s return.
The word Teshuvah comes from the Hebrew root “shuv,” meaning “to return,” is more than just a time of repentance—it’s a profound spiritual journey of returning back to God. It’s a time of self-examination, seeking forgiveness, and renewing our relationship with the Lord.
This year the Seasons of Teshuvah begins on Elul 1 (September 3rd, eve) and continues to Elul Tishrei 10 (October 12th eve). Just in time for holy day of Yom Kippur.
Many people think of repentance as simply turning away from sin. However, the biblical concept of teshuvah is much deeper than that. Turning away from sin is certainly part of it, but the focus is different. Teshuvah literally means to “return.” The goal is essentially to return to the Lord—that is, restore unhindered fellowship with Him. It is a divine invitation to the prodigal son (that’s us) to come back home and embrace the Father’s presence. And that heart to return to God is the actual process by which we turn away from sin.
Why is teshuvah so important? Because drawing closer to God every day is the very purpose of life! A marriage relationship doesn’t stop once the bride and groom say, “I do.” Marriage is a lifelong commitment in which a couple grows closer together through love, sacrifice, making mistakes, and asking for forgiveness. Likewise, we should constantly be growing in our love and devotion to God.
He’s our Bridegroom. He desires true, spiritual intimacy with His Bride.
It’s no wonder that Elul is an acronym for the phrase, Ani L’Dodi V’Dodi Li, or in English, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” Why is that significant? Because that phrase is from the Song of Solomon, which is the story of the Bridegroom coming for His Bride. That is the picture the Bible gives us of our relationship with God.
On this 40-day journey we invite you to pray and meditate on different aspect of your spiritual walk, encouraging you to open your heart to the Lord and experience renewal in both your personal relationship with Him and with others in your life.
Let the journey begin! 🙏
A Heart of Repentance – (Day 1)
“Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Indeed, we do come to You, for You are the LORD our God.” – Jeremiah 3:22 (NKJV)
The call to return is a powerful invitation to reconnect with God and embrace His healing. In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to drift away from spiritual practices and lose sight of what’s truly important. The first step in answering this call is to assess where you may have strayed from your spiritual path. Reflect on your daily routines and identify areas where God’s presence has become less central.
To practically apply this call, consider setting aside a specific time each day for personal reflection and prayer. This time can serve as a moment to realign your heart with God’s will and intentions. Use this period to read and meditate on Scripture, asking God to reveal areas where you need to make changes. Additionally, think about practical steps you can take to integrate faith into your daily activities, whether it’s through acts of kindness, volunteering, or simply being more intentional in your conversations with God.
Reconnecting with God may also involve seeking forgiveness and mending relationships with others. If you have unresolved conflicts or have drifted away from friends or family, take the initiative to reach out and make amends. This not only fosters healing in your relationships but also deepens your connection with God, as He desires harmony and reconciliation in our lives.
Remember, the process of returning to God is ongoing and involves daily commitment. It’s not about achieving perfection but about continually striving to grow closer to Him. Allow this time of reflection and renewal to be a period of profound spiritual growth and transformation.
Prayer:
Lord, I come before You with a heart that longs to return and reconnect with You. I confess that I have allowed distractions and daily pressures to distance me from Your presence. Forgive me for the times I have neglected my spiritual life and my relationship with You. Help me to see the areas where I need to realign my priorities and make changes that will draw me closer to You. Grant me the strength and wisdom to set aside time for prayer and reflection each day. Let this Season of Teshuvah be a time of renewed closeness with You, where Your guidance and love are at the forefront of my life. I also ask for Your help in mending any strained relationships, both with You and with others. Thank You for Your patience, grace, and the opportunity to start anew. Amen.
Verses to meditate on:
- Hosea 14:1 (NKJV)
“O Israel, return to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.” - Zechariah 1:3 (NKJV)
“Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the LORD of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the LORD of hosts.’” - James 4:8 (NKJV)
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
