Wholehearted Repentance
1 Samuel 7:3 The Ark is returned to Israel and sits in Kirjath Jearim for twenty years before the Israelites have a true change of heart and repent to the Lord. It can take time, and it is true for us.
12/8/20251 min read
Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you return to the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths from among you, and prepare your hearts for the Lord, and serve Him only; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.” 1 Samuel 7:3 (NKJV)
The ark was returned to Israel and sat in the city of Kirjath Jearim, but the Israelites lamented for twenty years before there were any changes. Why did it take so long? The Israelites wanted God to save them from the Philistines, but they weren't willing to do what it took to have God back in their lives. Their repentance was superficial. They wanted God in their lives but weren't willing to put away all the things of the world that was separating them from God. After twenty years, Samuel tells them if they return to the Lord with all their hearts and get rid of the gods that were making them stumble, and prepare their hearts to serve the Lord, He will deliver them from the Philistines. They do so without a second thought and God drives out the Philistines from their territories.
Wholehearted repentance is an internal conviction with an outward behavior. Acts 3:19 says, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." You first need an inward repentance which is a change of heart, mind, and the desire to turn to God. Then you need show an outward repentance which is forsaking the idols/sin that is keeping you from God, making amends, and altering your lifestyle. When you have wholehearted repentance, you create a positive ripple effect for the people around you. Broken relationships are healed, trust is gained, growth is inspired in others, and grace, rather than judgement is focused on. Wholehearted repentance shifts you from self-centered living to glorifying God.
Do and personal inventory today and see where sin is keeping you from God. Make a commitment in your heart and mind, giving your sins to God. Do the outward work and make amends where needed. Choose to change your lifestyle for the better. Making wholehearted repentance part of your life, will not only make your better, but those around you.