A Time To #22

Rend

We return to our A Time To Series with a look at what it means to rend and how that can actually draw us closer to God.  Find out below.

Rending:  What is it?

The term rend means to rip or tear apart.  In the practical sense, it is tearing a garment either out of mourning or tearing fabric for the purpose of creating a new garment.  Both of these terms work in the seasons of life frame, so what we have is a dual path season.  It can work as a gain and losing season.  Here's how:

                      Loss

When we lose important things and people from our lives, it can feel like our heart has been ripped apart.  We don't know what to do or say to overcome this hurt, and as we mentioned in a previous devotion, we risk falling into a pit of mourning and sorrow if we don't address it.

                                 Gain

There are times when we are called to do something in God for His Kingdom.  We have the opportunity to go forth and proclaim the gospel to those in need.  The only problem is we don't know where to start.  Our lives our full of untapped potential, but how do we fulfill that potential?

So how do we address these two issues?  The answer is found in one scripture:

And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: Joel 2:16

This scripture and those around it talk of Israel's evil and their need for repentance, but the statement here goes beyond just a call for those outside of the will of God.  We must rend our hearts before God if we are to see him glorified in us.  We may be facing sadness, despair and even the lingering effects of our past sins.  However, if we will open our hearts up to Jesus Christ, He will come in and do the work needed to restore us. 

Likewise, when God wants us to do something for him, we need to rend our hearts so our passions and desires will be laid bear and prepared for Him to do the work necessary  to piece us together for His purpose.  If I try to fulfill his calling for my life my way, I risk creating a garment of self-praise and worship rather than God-praise and worship.  Worse still, I risk making something that won't work at all.  Only with a heart open for God to lead us can we see our spiritual calling truly fulfilled.

So, we must have an open heart for God regardless of whether we are hurting from loss or waiting to gain.  Before any repairs or preparation can be made by the Almighty, we must be willing to rend our hearts (the passions, purposes, emotions and feelings of our lives) before Him so that he can begin the work.  If we do, He will take us into the next season, which will we shall cover in our next devotion. 

How can you rend your heart before God?

Take your hurts/hopes before God this week

Pray about the emotions/passions your are feeling
Fast a meal or a day over the feelings/purposes you have about this issue
Read God's Word for guidance concerning your mourning/calling

Finally, tell God that He is in control of your hurt/hope.  You are an open vessel before Him and our willing to do whatever He says concerning your situation.