Hey Reader,

Yesterday, during our Deeper Roots Community gathering, we talked about something that I haven't been able to stop thinking about, and I felt like it was worth bringing here for our Weekend in the Word.

You know how life gets busy, time gets away from us, and things keep being added to the to-do list? Before we know it, the day has become a week, the week has become a month, and somewhere in all of that busyness, we realize it has affected our time with God too.

That realization can be discouraging and frustrating. And if we're not careful, the enemy will use it as an opportunity to pile on guilt and shame, convincing us to focus more on how far we've drifted from our rhythms than on the God who is still inviting us near.

Last night, I shared with the ladies something I'm calling the return.

As we talked, I could relate to so much of what was being shared. I've been there many times before, and I've learned that different seasons of life can require us to return in different ways.

Rather than focusing on the distance, I want us to focus on the return.

The return to time with God that our souls so desperately need. The return to worship in the secret place that our hearts long for. The return to the Word that our minds need in order to be renewed.

The distance happened, yes. But the return is what matters most.

And here's what I want you to know: the return isn't only for the person who is far away from God. Sometimes it's for the person who loves Jesus deeply but whose days have gotten so full that she's struggling to meet with Him the way she once did.

Maybe your return looks different in this season.

Maybe it's listening to a sermon on the morning you didn't get up early enough for your usual quiet time. Maybe it's reading one chapter slowly when you're accustomed to reading three. Maybe it's turning on worship in the car instead of making another phone call, or praying while you clean the kitchen because the uninterrupted hour you once had isn't available today.

The goal isn't to recreate a former season of your life. The goal is to return.

Consider God's words through the prophet Joel. God's people in Judah had experienced devastation, and Joel was calling them back to the Lord. But this wasn't merely about outward acts that made them look repentant. God wanted their hearts.

I love that.

Return to the Lord your God.

Even when God's people needed correction and repentance, His call was still an invitation to return.

Return because of who He is.

He is merciful. He is compassionate. He is patient. He is filled with unfailing love.

So that's what I want us to focus on this Weekend in the Word.

How can I return?

Not, How do I make up for everything I've missed?​
Not, How do I get back to the routine I used to have?​
Not even, How do I prove that I'm serious this time?

Simply: What can returning to the Lord look like for me today?

So how exactly do we return? Through intentional seeking.

I'll share more about this next week, but until then, here's where you can begin.

Open the Word. Turn on the worship music. Sit quietly with Him. Pray while you're driving. Read the chapter. Write the verse. Whatever helps turn your attention back toward Him, begin there.

You don't have to make up the distance before you return.

You return because He is the One your soul needs.

This is the first of a three-part Weekend in the Word series on The Return. Next week, I'll share one way I intentionally return when the distance becomes evident or obvious in my own life.

Until then, remember, time with God is time you will never regret spending.

In the Word with you, ​Rachel G. Scott​ Founder, Word & Seed Ministries​ Bible Teacher | YouVersion Partner | Christian YouTuber Want to take your Bible study even deeper?​ ​ Learn more about the Deeper Roots Women’s & Men’s Communities and join the waitlist for early enrollment access & updates. ​

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P.S. If you haven't watched our latest teachings through Ephesians 3 and 4, this weekend is a great time to catch up. Ephesians has been such a powerful book for us to study together, and next week is our final week! I would love for you to join me as we finish this journey through the book together.