“Jesus began to proclaim his message with these words: “Keep turning away from your sins and come back to God, for heaven’s kingdom realm is now accessible” (Matthew 4:17).
The word “repent” isn’t supposed to be a controlling, religious word. To the contrary, it’s an empowering, liberating covenant between you and God.
Because of what Jesus has done for you on the cross, repentance is the grace to recognize and turn from old ways of thinking to seeing, processing, and responding to your circumstances as he shows you is possible. Repentance is the beginning of renewing your mind, allowing God to fill in the gaps of fear, despair, and bitterness with his love, joy, and peace.
Breathe. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Ask Jesus to show you any areas of your life which you’ve taken control away from him. Ask forgiveness for trying to do things your way, and forgive those you’ve been judging for doing things their way. See yourself placing every negative thought you’ve had in his hands. Then ask him to show you . . . everything.
Equip Your Spirit 