This week I was reading in Jeremiah 15 where it says…
Therefore, thus says the LORD, If you return, then I will restore you – Before me you will stand; and if you extract the precious from the worthless, you will become my spokesman. They for their part may turn to you, But, as for you, you must not turn to them. Jeremiah 15:19
As we appraoch the Hebrew Month of Elul we know that we are fast approaching the fall festivals of Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. I often find this time a great blessing to my faith life, and also to my relationships with those around me.
The month of Elul is a month of introspection and self examination in preparation for the days of Awe. It is similiar to the time of Lent on the Church calendar. A time for us to truly take stock in our lives and in our faith. Where are we when it comes to our relationships with G-d? Where are we in our relationship with others? Where do we need to turn and repent of deeds done in our lives that go contrary to G-d’s instruction in our lives (His Torah)?
The word “Teshuva” means to turn. It is time for us to turn from our ways and to begin to once again seek the ways of God. It is time to turn from thinking that we have all the answers and once again rely on G-d for direction and guidance of our lives. It is time for us to turn from what the world wants of us and start focusing on what G-d expects of us.
Let us not waste this time of examination and let us draw closer to G-d in all our actions and relationships.
Very nice. The time shall come when the hearts of man will fail them, so we pray that before that dreadful time arrives, the nations will turn.
Shalom,
Lawrence