Joel 2: 12 – 13
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “Return to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, weeping, and mourning; and rend your heart and not your garments.” Now return to the Lord your god, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness.
No matter where you have been in your life nor what you have done, God has issued an invitation for you to return to him. His great compassion is revealed in His words. He is willing to accept any of the lost sheep back into the fold.
In the old times the people would tear their garments is an expression of their grief or repentance. It was an outward expression of the turmoil of their spirit. God tells us here not to rend our garments but rather to tear open our hearts. He is looking for open hearts to dwell in. He is looking for people who are sincere in their deepest parts in their searching and longing for him.
He is an open God and is extending open arms. The more we allow ourselves to be open to Him, the more he can fill us. He is looking for people who will seek Him with all their hearts, not lukewarm petitioners. The God of the universe wants you; wants more of you desperately and He will meet you with at least equal enthusiasm as you take to him.