Dr. Tan Tek Seng

DAILY REFLECTION

19 Feb 2026

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” 

Joel‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬ ‭

The first two days of Chinese New Year are filled with joyful feasting, lively gatherings, and meaningful time with family. Surrounded by abundance and warm conversation, it is easy to be caught up in the excitement of celebration. Yet when the festivities begin to quiet down, a different kind of space emerges. In that pause, we are given the opportunity to reflect on the deeper realities of life: our priorities, our relationships, and what truly matters beyond the surface of celebration.

The season of Lent offers a sacred invitation to examine our lives honestly. It calls us to acknowledge our shortcomings and to allow sincere sorrow to lead us toward transformation. The words of Joel 2:12: “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning”reveal the depth of repentance God desires. This is not about outward religious performance, but about an inward and upward transforming of the heart.

Fasting disciplines the body and refocuses the spirit. Mourning helps us confront the brokenness within us and around us. Weeping expresses vulnerability and genuine sorrow before God. Together, these practices form a pathway of return—a journey marked by humility, honesty, and dependence on His mercy.

Joel 2:12 reminds us that God’s call to repentance is not meant to shame us, but to restore relationship. Repentance is not a one-time event, but an ongoing posture of the heart. It creates space for clarity, gratitude, and purposeful living as we move forward into a new season grounded in His grace.

“Your passion will lead you right into your purpose."