As the United States celebrates the birth of our nation with parades, majestic fireworks and patriotic programs, I want to call all believers to a different kind of commemoration. Although it might sound like a dreary program designed to dampen our spirits during Independence Day, a “solemn assembly” is a serious gathering of God’s people to return home . . . to return to Him.
  Today, we are experiencing wave after wave of enormous physical and spiritual problems – both on a national and personal level. We can’t fix these problems ourselves, and the government certainly can’t.
  The call for a solemn assembly is given to those who recognize that although God is merciful and slow to anger, He always intervenes in the lives of His children to draw us closer to Him. The prophet Joel voiced God’s warning of pending destruction to a disobedient nation. Like the children of Israel, the only way out of our current economic and moral malaise is to seek God’s face in solemn, sacred, truthful repentance.
  Joel told Israel not to rip their clothes in an outward sign of repentance. He admonished them to be “real” and open their hearts to a merciful and loving God and ask God to change His mind.
  God has promised that if we return to Him, He will not only heal our land; He will restore the years the locust destroyed. Our Father always keeps His promises.