Why Are You Waiting?

~~~ Joel 2:12-18 ~~~ Psalm 51 ~~~ 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2 ~~~ 

~~~ Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 ~~~

No matter which reading you choose to reflect 

upon today the message is the same...

...return to me with your whole heart...

Repent, give alms, mark yourselves with ashes, fast,

pray to God to cleanse your heart.

God asked Adam and Eve why they were hiding 

when he came to walk the garden with them.

Today God is telling us to come to him.

He gives us permission to hide, when we are praying.

But when you pray, go to your inner room,

close the door, and pray to your Father in secret.

Now is the acceptable time...so what are you waiting  for?

God reminds us today, Ash Wednesday,

 that he wants to bless our repentant heart. 

If you have been hiding, embarrassed by your sins, 

the invitation is extended to you at this very moment.

Then the LORD was stirred to concern for his land

and took pity on his people.

The Lord is giving you forty days to return to him.

He wants to welcome you back

 into his garden where all is wonderful...

where pure spring water runs freely...

where every kind of plant and animal

 is there for your enjoyment...

where his love for you is most evident.

We join the psalmist in praying...

A clean heart create for me, O God,

and a steadfast spirit renew within me.

Your relationship with God is personal.

Today he speaks to the depths of your heart...

to the places where you keep hidden and secret.

For in your relationship with God you have no secrets.

His invitation today is to let him,

 during this time of repentance, cleanse your soul.

You do not need to question 'Where is our God?'

He is not hiding from you.

Your day of salvation is right now.

What are you waiting for?

Blessed with ashes cleanse our minds and hearts,

O Lord we pray.

~~~Peace~~~