Broken-hearted

12 "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning." 13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. 14 Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing— grain offerings and drink offerings
for the LORD your God. — Joel 2:12-14 (NIV)


I read this passage in my devotions this morning the phrase in v13 Rend your heart really struck me.  What does that mean?  Rending (or tearing) one's garment is a sign of mourning.  This verse is telling us we should tear our hearts - become broken-hearted - and return tot he Lord. 

When I ask the Lord for forgiveness am I coming to Him in shame or true repentance.  Is my heart stinging or has it been torn apart.  Am I sorry that I got caught or do I really want to change.

I'm afraid I haven't approached God in true repentance about some things.  He deserves my broken-heartedness - actually, He requires it.

Have a blessed day.  Susan