The abundant life begins by returning to Him! In Isaiah 55, the Lord invites us to call upon His name. He declares that when when we return to Him, He is merciful and will abundantly pardon us!
6 Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:6-7
In the above passage, the Lord teaches us how to recommit our lives to the Lord and begin the process of restoration. The Lord tells us to return to Him, call upon His name, and seek Him.
When people walk away from the Lord, they begin walking in carnality and sin. This can continue to go on and permeate one’s actions, thoughts, attitudes, and friendships. In this state, people begin staying away from their Christian friends because they don’t want to be judged for their activities and lifestyle.
The good news is that the Lord tells us when we return to Him, seek Him, and call upon His name, He is merciful and has abundant pardon for those who are ready to get their lives right.
It is never too late to return to the Lord. When people are desperate, they are motivated to seek the Lord and to call upon His name. This can begin a good process and habit of drawing near to Him. Praise God that He is abundant in mercy, and He promises to pardon us!
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8
The above passage reemphasizes what Isaiah 55 teaches us. When we draw near to the Lord, He draws near to us. It is very difficult to draw near to God and continue to live in sin. When we draw near to God, we begin this process of restoration, purification, and the enjoyment of the abundant life that the Lord has promised His children.
Have you been away from the Lord for a season? Do you need to return to Him and seek Him? Call upon His name and allow the Lord to touch and restore you!