Tempted to turn back

In Numbers 13, the Israelites are struggling with their journey to their new land. Although God provides food, water, and guidance, conditions in the desert are unpleasant, and the inhabitants of the land to be conquered appear intimidating. The Israelites face strong temptations to return to Egypt. In Numbers 14:4 (KJV), the people say,

Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.

In the Old Testament, Egypt represents the literal place from which the Israelites left. But it also represents our former lives before following God. The journey can be difficult, and we are often tempted to "return to Egypt." But let us pray for strength to press forward. As Jesus says in Revelation 3:5 (KJV),

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life.

It's not too late

Joel 12:13 is a very famous verse, but let's first focus on the verse that comes before it. Verse 12 (KJV) reads,

Now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.

God is telling us to confess our sins, whatever they might be, right now. The fasting-weeping-mourning part means that our repentance should be honest and heartfelt. We should feel legitimate shame, sorrow, and embarrassment for breaking his commandments. That opportunity is available to us right now, and we should take that opportunity.

The next verse, the famous one (verse 13, KJV), builds upon the previous verse to clarify how we should (and should not) show remorse. It reads,

Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God.

We should not "rend our garments" or engage in some other kind of outward show. Rather, our remorse should be inward. Our heart should ache for sinning.

These two verses, so simple yet so powerful, express how God views true repentance.