40 DAYS WITH THE KING IN THE FIELD

The 40 Days Before Yom Kippur

We’ve entered a very special season on Father’s calendar — the 40 days leading up to Yom Kippur.

Jewish tradition teaches that these 40 days are a time of mercy and forgiveness. It goes all the way back to the time when Moses went up Mount Sinai to receive the second set of tablets after Israel had fallen into sin. For 40 days, he prayed and interceded until Abba gave His people a new beginning. That history set the pattern: these days are a window of grace for anyone who wants to return to Him.

The Chassidic masters describe this season with a beautiful picture: “The King is in the field.” Normally, a king lives in his palace, distant and hard to approach. But in Elul — the month before the High Holy Days — the King comes out into the fields. He meets His people where they are, in the middle of their everyday lives. And He smiles at them.

This tells us something powerful: in this season, Father is especially close. He isn’t waiting for you to climb a mountain or clean yourself up before you approach Him. He’s right here, in the field, where you are — at your work, in your family, in your struggles.

And that’s why these days are about Teshuvah. Teshuvah doesn’t just mean “repentance” — it means return. It’s coming back to who you were always created to be. It’s remembering that no matter how far we’ve wandered, there’s always a way home. Teshuvah is about turning your heart back toward your Father, who has already stepped into the field to meet you.

When we return, something amazing happens: Berachah — blessing — flows into our lives. A Berachah isn’t just a nice Hebrew word, it’s the goodness of a loving Father being released. It’s peace in your heart. Strength to face the days ahead. Provision for what you need. And most of all, the deep blessing of closeness with Him.

So in these 40 days, hear the invitation: The King is in the field. He’s near to you. He’s smiling at you. Take a step toward Him — and as you do, He pours out His blessing.

Encouragement & Prayer

Beloved, this season is not about fear of judgment. It’s about love, closeness, and new beginnings. If you’ve been distant from Father, now is the time to come close. If your heart has been heavy, now is the time to lay it down. If you’ve been waiting for blessing, now is the time to open your hands.

Let’s pray:
Father, thank You that in these days You are so close — closer than we know. Thank You for stepping into the field of our lives and meeting us where we are. Help us to turn our hearts back to You in Teshuvah, and as we return, pour out Your Berachah over us — blessing in our homes, blessing in our work, blessing in our souls. Draw us near, and keep us close. HalleluYAH.

Teshuvah [תשובה] brings Berachah [ברכה], the blessing of our King.

Shalom,