When you are going the wrong direction, the only smart thing to do is to turn around and go back the other way. If you want to end up at your planned destination, you have got to turn around.
God often exhorts us to turn around when we are doing things that displease Him. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 God says, “If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Turning from your wicked ways is a significant part of finding healing for your soul.
The word “turn” is a word that really means “to turn around;” to do an about-face and head in the opposite direction. It means to turn back – to reverse one’s course. In the New Testament there is a very significant word to describe this act of turning around. It is the word, “repent.” Actually, the word “repent” means “to change one’s mind.” But it carries the idea of turning around. For example, if you are going in one direction and discover that it is the wrong direction for your purpose, you change your mind and start heading in the opposite direction. You turn around and make a correction in your course.
And that is exactly what God is saying in 2 Chronicles 7:14. When you humble yourself and pray for God’s forgiveness, then He wants you to seek His face by turning around from your wicked ways and start facing in His direction instead of the wrong direction.
Years ago when I was in college, I did just that. I was heading away from the Lord, but in my junior year I humbled myself before God and asked His forgiveness. Then I turned around from the way I was living and I began seeking the face of God. It was a major turning point in my life.
So, how about you? Are you going in the wrong direction? Well, the only smart thing to do is to turn around.
Now you know the real meaning of the word.
Warning: Don’t end up where you don’t want to be. It is hazardous! Turn around!