A Return HomeSample

Your investigation is yielding fruit; you’re finding answers. It’s time to dig deeper into the crucial elements of this story. What was going through the prodigal son’s mind when he returned? What does this reveal about the father’s love?

REFLECT

Pause for a moment. Reflect on your life. Remember how the prodigal son came to his senses while desiring pig food. He recalled his former life—one of happiness and abundance with his father. Imagine the sense of loss in that moment: choosing his own desires, he left behind everything good his father had freely given him. Yet, despite recognizing the foolishness of his choices, his first thought was still to return to his father.

Have there been moments when you remembered the Lord or realized that your life didn’t make sense? Have you recognized how your decisions—though seemingly sensible at the time—have led you to a point where you barely recognize yourself and wonder how you got there?

READ
Psalm 32

REFOCUS

In today’s psalm, King David finally comes to his senses after a season of rebellion against God. His relationships were a mess! David had sinned against God and others but eventually confessed and found God, his Heavenly Father, ready to forgive and welcome him home.

Confession to God means agreeing with Him about what He already knows: that we often wander away, seeking to live life on our own terms and rebelling against the kind, righteous, merciful, and loving God. When David confessed his sin, he experienced the steadfast love of the Lord surrounding him. So profound is this forgiven life that David invites others to rejoice and shout for joy alongside him.

David knows he does not deserve God’s forgiveness, yet he celebrates it with a song. He invites us to experience that forgiveness and join the celebration as we stop hiding from God and acknowledge our messiness, seeking His grace through forgiveness.

This might remind us of the Father’s joy in throwing a party for the prodigal son when he confessed and found forgiveness.

REMEMBER

The Bible is an ancient book written by many authors inspired by God. What if God still speaks to people today through this very old text? The Word of God claims this for itself—it’s true and trustworthy, living and active today.