Return To God
BRD REFLECTION 2026
Genesis 16 and Psalm 78:32-39 (NIV)
(Tan Hai Chuang from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Genesis 16:
Sarai gave her maid Hagar to Abram, in the hope of having children through her. Abram listened to Sarai, and Hagar conceived. Hagar despised Sarai and was sent away. The angel of the Lord appeared to Hagar, and told her to return to Sarai and submit to her authority.
Psalm 78:32-39
The Jews continued to sin and their hearts were not steadfast toward God. Yet God was compassionate; He forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them.
OBSERVE:
A common thread runs through these passages. Sarai, Abram, Hagar and the Jews all took things into their own hands. They turned away from God, and met with disastrous consequences.
Yet God showed mercy and compassion. He forgave them their sins, and told them to return to Him and submit to His authority.
APPLY:
Often, my behaviour is just like theirs. I tend to take things into my own hands, see problems through my own lens, and try to tackle them by my own strength. This often leads to unsatisfactory or undesirable outcomes.
God wants me to return to Him. He is gracious and merciful, and He restores me. He wants me to have a steadfast heart, and be faithful to His covenant.
Joel 2:12-13: “‘Even now,’ declares the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. 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.’”
DO:
I will learn to commit not just the big decisions in my life, but even everyday matters, to God. When I wander away from being close to God, I will listen to His still small voice, obey, and return to Him.
I am so thankful that God is merciful and He restores me when I return to Him. May my heart become more and more steadfast, as I walk with Him on life’s journey.
PRAY:
Lord, thank You for Your grace and mercy. Teach me to return to You when I wander away. Teach me to have a steadfast and faithful heart, and not to take things into my own hands. Amen.
