Joel 2 - 11.15.23

Scripture

“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you."

Joel 2:25 (NKJV)

Observation

In Joel 1:4, we see that a great tragedy has happened to Israel. A huge host of locusts descended upon the vegetation destroying it. It started with an attack from the chewing locusts. Whatever was left on the plants, was then consumed by the second set of locusts, the swarming locusts. Then came the crawling locusts, and finally the consuming locusts. Four different species of locust attacked the vegetation and left the land completely bare. Here in Joel 2:25, God promises that He will restore the years that the great army of locusts had destroyed.

Application

Sometimes we look back in regret, and think of the years that were lost and stolen from us - lost in conflict, pain, sickness and attack of the enemy. The Lord is saying to you today, "I will restore to you the years that you have lost". The one who called you is faithful, and he will do it.  (1 Thessalonians: 5:24). Remember the story of Jesus walking on the water. The disciples were struggling on a rough sea all night, reaching nowhere. Then Jesus walked on the water, and got into their boat, and "immediately" the boat reached the place where they were headed to. (John 6:21). It was as if they hadn't lost any time at all. That is how our Lord restores.

Prayer

Father, I thank you for your promise that you will restore to me the years that I have lost. Thank you because you are faithful and I can count on your promises, because they will never fail. Thank you for redeeming my past. Thank you because my future is secure in your hands. Thank you because your thoughts for me are higher than my thoughts. The things you have prepared for me are above what any eye can see, or any ear can hear, or any human mind has conceived. (1 Cor 2:9). I trust you. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

- Asha Chacko George