God's Word For Today

Daily Devotional

Playing Make Believe

Read Joel 1:1 through 3:21

Children love to play make believe. Countless summer hours are spent playing cops and robbers or superheroes and bad guys while running through the backyard. But when the fun is over, the children know it was all pretend. No one really got shot; people still can’t fly; and there are no starship battles in space.

People play make believe with God at times too. They make a big show of their spirituality on the outside, like putting on a costume, but deep inside their hearts they are far from God.

God pleaded with His people through the prophet Joel to stop pretending and turn their hearts back to Him.

Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate (Joel 2:13).

The people were tearing their outer garments as a sign of repentance, but their hearts were not broken over their sin. They were only pretending. God calls us to truly turn our hearts to Him, not just make a show of it.

Prayer Suggestion: Lord, help my outward praise for You be a reflection of a heart filled with gratitude.

Quicklook: Joel 2:12–14