Day 30—Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Joel 1:12-13

Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from punishment.

“Yet even now, says the Lord…” I believe that first phrase is incredibly powerful. Just before these verses, the passage describes a terrible army that approaches and the dark, foreboding presence it brings along with it. “Yet even now” -in the midst of a scary, uncertain time – God reminds us of His great love for us and that we should turn to Him at all times. These verses tell us of God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love. The terrible army could represent anything difficult in our lives or in the world, and these verses remind us of God’s presence, even in the midst of life’s challenges.

Yet even now, as you face a life-altering diagnosis or are consumed with grief.

Yet even now, as you juggle the many tasks and responsibilities of everyday life.

Yet even now, as you struggle to make ends meet or handle your finances responsibly.

Yet even now, as you suffer from loneliness, depression, anxiety, or fear.

Yet even now, as we face political, economic, and social uncertainty and turmoil.

Yet even now, as we constantly hear of or see new injustices, at home and abroad.

We all face challenges such as these in our lives, yet God calls us to “return to the Lord”. Just as Pastor Andrew discussed in his sermon on March 2, one of our most valuable possessions in this modern era is our attention. We can choose to pay attention to the hard things and dwell on what is going wrong. Or instead, we can choose to pay attention to the things that are lovely and true in our lives and in the world. We can return our hearts to the Lord by focusing on the many blessings around us, no matter what else is happening.

Yet even now, the sun rises each morning.

Yet even now, the beautiful spring flowers are beginning to bloom.

Yet even now, our church family flourishes, full of love, laughter, and fellowship.

Yet even now, friends reach out to friends, offering support and care.

Yet even now, people work towards justice and equality for all.

Yet even now, the glorious Blue Ridge Mountains stand tall around Roanoke.

Yet even now, God loves and cherishes each and every one of us.

Merciful Lord, as we continue on our journey toward Easter, keep our attention on the good and godly things around us each day. When the bad threatens to engulf us, remind us that “Yet even now” You are with us, surrounding us with your grace, love, and mercy. Amen. 

-Victoria Skinner