In our journey with God, there’s something sacred and powerful about returning. Returning is not a sign of failure; it is a divine invitation. It marks the beginning of transformation and leads us into a deeper dwelling with God. It is the key to realignment, restoration, and renewal
Yet, many never experience this power. Why? Because returning is not always easy. It requires humility, courage, and vulnerability. Let’s explore both the power of returning and the hindrances that often block the way
Returning: The Beginning of the Cycle
In the Kingdom of God, returning is not a sign of regression, but an invitation to restoration. It’s the act of realigning our hearts with the One who never left us. A sacred response to the call of a loving Father who desires nearness and oneness over performance
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to Me with all your heart…” Joel 2:12
“Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty.” Malachi 3:7
Whether it’s returning to prayer, to the secret place, to purpose, or to our first love, every return has the power to reset the rhythm of our lives and realign us with God’s heart. Whether you’ve wandered in rebellion or simply grown cold in devotion, there is sacred power in your return. Not because of what you’ve done, but because of who God is, merciful, faithful, and forever reaching.
When the prodigal son came to himself and returned, everything changed. His return did not lead to shame, but to embrace, robe, ring, and restoration (Luke 15:20–24). In this, we see the start of a holy cycle
From the prodigal son in Luke 15 to the people of Israel in the wilderness, we see this truth again and again: returning is the starting point of revival
Every believer will need to walk this path repeatedly, not because we are unstable, but because growth comes in cycles. The rhythm of return keeps our hearts soft, our focus sharp, and our lives aligned with God’s will and purposes for us.
Here’s the cycle:
- Conviction leads to Return
- Return brings Realignment
- Realignment invites Transformation
- Transformation establishes Dwelling
And in that dwelling, we find our identity, our calling, and our true rest.
Returning Unlocks Transformation
In returning, we step into the environment of grace where transformation happens. Returning brings us back under the influence of God’s truth, His Spirit, and His presence
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” Romans 12:2
You can’t renew what you’ve abandoned. When we return, we re-enter the space where God shapes us again
Transformation doesn’t happen far from the Source. It happens when we return to the Word, to the whisper of the Holy Spirit, and to the simplicity of obedience
Peter’s story is a striking example. After denying Jesus, he returned in brokenness, and that return led to restoration and commissioning (John 21). Peter the failure became Peter the rock
Returning opens the door for God to rework us in the light of truth, not shame.
Returning Leads to Dwelling
God does not call us to return just for a moment, but to remain. This is the difference between a visit and a habitation. God is not building relationships based on visitations; He desires dwelling
“Abide in Me, and I in you.” John 15:4
To dwell is to stay rooted, to continue in His presence, to build from a place of closeness and communion
“One thing I ask… that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” Psalm 27:4
Dwelling is a lifestyle of closeness with God. It’s the place where strength is renewed, identity is stabilized, and much fruit is born
Hindrances to Returning
Despite the beauty of returning, many struggle to do so. Why? Here are six common spiritual roadblocks:
1. Shame and Guilt
These lie and say, “You’re too far gone.” But the cross already covered the distance
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
2. Pride and Self-Reliance
The belief that “I can fix it myself” delays the return. But God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
3. Distraction and Busyness
The enemy often uses busyness to drown out God’s whisper. Like Martha, we get distracted with much doing and miss the one necessary thing (Luke 10:40–42)
4. Fear of Facing God
Fear that God will reject us keeps us distant. But His perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).
5. Bitterness and Offense
Wounds that aren’t healed can harden the heart. But healing begins when we bring that pain to God (Hebrews 12:15)
6. Comfort in Compromise
Sometimes we get used to the dryness and convince ourselves it’s enough. But Jesus still knocks on lukewarm doors (Revelation 3:17–20).
The Invitation Still Stands
No matter what has kept you away, shame, pride, fear, apathy, God call remains: RETURN
“Come now, let us reason together… though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18
You’re not too far. You’re not too broken. There’s mercy at the turning point. There’s power in your return
Prayer of Return
Father, I confess what has kept me from You, my pride, my distractions, my shame. I choose to return. Cleanse me, heal me, and draw me into deep, unbroken dwelling with You. I want to abide, to be transformed, and to live in Your presence daily. In Jesus’ name, amen
Final Thoughts: A Cycle to Embrace
Your spiritual growth is not a straight line; it’s a cycle of returning, transforming, and dwelling. Don’t be afraid to come back. Each return is a restart. Each step back is actually a step into your making
Let returning be your rhythm Let transformation be your pattern Let dwelling be your new home
The Anointed Scribe’s Lamp 