With Ash Wednesday, we mark the beginning of Lent and begin a penitential period of self-examination. We acknowledge that our sin has separated us from God. Although He is a just God Who must punish sin, He still pleads with us, “Return to Me” (Joel 2:12), for, in spite of our sinfulness, He is “patient with [us], not wanting anyone to perish” (2 Peter 3:9). This week’s meditation, provided to you by your church, will help us understand God’s message to us through the prophet Joel. We encourage you to read and study the weekly meditations that you will be receiving each Sunday during Lent. We hope and pray that God will use these meditations to strengthen us so that we will live our lives in ways that give Him glory.