A heart Ren, not a Garment Torn
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Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | February 22 2026 | Joel 2:12-17
KEY VERSE: “So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For His gracious and merciful,” (Joel 2:13, NKJV)
MESSAGE:
In Joel’s day, tearing one’s garment was a public sign of grief and repentance. It was visible, dramatic, and unmistakable. Yet God saw beyond the fabric. He called His people to rend their hearts instead. Outward expressions could be performed, but inward surrender could not be faked.
Lent confronts us with the same challenge. It is possible to participate in religious observances and still keep the heart guarded. God desires more than visible devotion. He seeks hearts that truly turn back to Him.
True repentance is surrender. It is allowing God to break what is hardened and heal what is hidden. When the heart is opened before Him, mercy enters, and restoration begins.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
God knows us better than we know ourselves, so we cannot pretend before Him. He calls for sincere repentance that changes the heart, not just outward behaviour. Come to Him with an open heart and a desire for true transformation.
PRAYER:
Lord, soften my heart. Let my repentance be real, deep, and sincere, and draw me fully back to Yourself. For Your dear name’s sake. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: REND
The Hebrew word is qāraʿ (קָרַע). It means “to tear,” “to split,” or “to rip apart.” In the Old Testament, it often described tearing garments as a visible sign of grief, distress, or repentance.
In Joel 2:13, God redirects that action inward. Instead of tearing clothing, He commands His people to tear their hearts. The call is not for dramatic display but for sincere inner brokenness. To “rend” the heart is to allow God to break pride, expose hidden sin, and remove resistance. It is not about emotional intensity but about genuine return.
Reflect on this:
Is there any area of your heart still guarded before God? Ask Him to soften and open it fully, so repentance becomes real and restoration can begin.
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