“Awake, drunkards, and weep, And wail, all you wine drinkers, On account of the sweet wine That is cut off from your mouth.” Joel 1:5.

In this chapter there are two other calls for mourning because the things they value are going to dry up and disappear. Their wine, the wheat and the barley, and because the day of God’s judgment is near, 1:5,11,15.

When you have been living in sin and have abandoned any pretense of faith, there’s going to be a lot to mourn over. When you are at the end of a dead end road and there are no good options left, you are going to mourn. So why wait to repent only when you have been exposed?

It’s so much better to hear the Word of God today and get right. You just might find a lot of peace and joy, not to mention forgiveness and eternal life.

But the sorrow over our sin has to be genuine. It’s like Paul said, godly sorrow produces repentance without regret, leading to salvation, 2 Cor 7:10. And Joel continues on this theme, saying, “rend your hearts, and not your garments”, Joel 2:14.

Have you ever done something for show when it wasn’t in your heart to do so? Many people just give appearances but they are still unwilling to make the radical and revolutionary changes God is looking to see.

I once told a drunkard dad and husband his only chance was to mourn and grieve over his sin. He not only didn’t take me seriously, he told his wife and she also ridiculed the advice. At that point I could see there was no spiritual adult in the home.

“Yes even now”, declares the Lord, “Return to Me with your heart, and with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” Joel 2:12.

And so for many, they will not mourn their sin and turn to God. They will simply plow forward into the inevitable ruin and eternal regret.

I pray you are right with God. Have you turned from sin and clothed yourself with Christ Jesus? “And now why do you delay? Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on His name.” Acts 22:16..

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