"I WILL HEAL YOUR BACKSLIDINGS." The Lord in mercy calls on His people to turn back to Him, and be blessed. We are prone to wander, often going astray; our God may justly cast us off, but He lovingly invites us to return. He bids us come to Him and gives us every encouragement to hasten to His feet. Because we are children, though backsliding, our Father bids us return. Beloved, let us return to Him this morning; let us confess our sin, deplore our folly, crave His pardon, plead His promises, hope in His mercy, and expect His reconciliation and love. What an unspeakable mercy to have such a Father, so ready to forgive, so willing to receive, so desirous that we should be happy and blest! His love is wonderful, His forbearance beyond description. See His loving arms extended; hear His gracious word inviting; hasten now to be blessed! Do not dwell on your miseries, or your wretchedness; they are the effects of your backsliding; but He says, "I will heal your backslidings." "Come, and let us return unto the Lord; for He hath torn, and He will heal us; He hath smitten, and He will bind us up." His heart is grieved for us, His word invites us, and His love will make us happy. Only return.

For Meditation:
Father of mercies, God of love,
O hear a humble suppliant's cry!
Bend from Thy lofty seat above,
Thy throne of glorious majesty;
O deign to listen to my voice,
And bid this drooping heart rejoice.