“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”Acts 3:19 (KJV)
Repentance has been made to sound like punishment. Peter presents it as the road to relief.
Read the order Peter gives. Repent, be converted, sins blotted out, then times of refreshing. Refreshing is not a reward for surviving a long probation. It follows the turn.
Repentance is a change of direction, not merely a change of mood. Feeling bad can leave a person exactly where they were, only more discouraged.
There is usually a next step attached: an apology to make, a habit to cut off, an account to close. Ask God what yours is, and take it. Do not wait for a stronger feeling first.
A prayer to close
Lord, I repent. I turn from what has held me and I turn to You. Blot out my sins and send the refreshing that comes from Your presence. Amen.
