Daily Devotion

Thursday, February 19, 2026  

Today's Scripture
Matthew 4:1–17

From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Though long associated with this Lenten season, the word “repent” is an uncomfortable and unfamiliar term for most of us. It is more closely associated with doomsday signs and being yelled at on street corners rather than any sort of meaningful spiritual discipline. Yet at the outset of these 40 days, there is perhaps no more hopeful invitation than these early words of Jesus’ ministry: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Rather than dwelling on guilt and condemnation, the true meaning of repentance is an invitation for our hearts and lives to be transformed—turning away from places of regret and instead returning back to the path Christ teaches us to walk. The Hebrew word for repentance—teshuva—literally means to “return;” this Lenten season is an opportunity to recognize where our hearts, actions, and words are discordant with our deepest values and to return to them.

When I look at my own life, I am struck by how many of the accumulated habits and routines I’ve developed over the months and years end up working against deepening relationships, serving my community, and creating spaces to deepen my faith. I’m sure, for example, I’d be saddened to see how much time I spend mindlessly scrolling my phone versus investing in the lives of those around me—and plenty of other examples abound. Rather than sit in guilt for all I’ve left undone, though, I hope that this season may truly be an invitation to all of us to return to Christ’s better way of love in all that we are, say, and do.

Prayer

Holy God, help me walk ever closer to the path you would have me follow—the way of hope, the way of peace, the way of love. May I seek those things with all my heart. Amen.

Written by Matt Helms, Associate Pastor

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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