“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust…” – Joel 2:25 (NKJV) Restoration, in God’s terms, means returning to a former or original condition, but it often goes beyond that – bringing improvement and an upgrade. When God restores, He …
“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust…” – Joel 2:25 (NKJV)
Restoration, in God’s terms, means returning to a former or original condition, but it often goes beyond that – bringing improvement and an upgrade. When God restores, He doesn’t merely replace what was lost; He increases and enhances it. This kind of restoration requires us to first acknowledge something is missing or broken, even if we don’t fully recognize it. Sometimes, we think we are doing well, unaware that God has an even greater vision for us. If we truly understood where God intends to take us, we would cry out for His restoration. The good news is, God promises to restore, and He invites us into this process with faith and hope.
Many of us expect restoration to begin with a new year or a new season, but God’s timing isn’t confined by calendars. Restoration can begin now, even as the promise of a new year approaches.
Restoration is less about dates and more about discerning the season and aligning with God’s will. In our anchor text, God says, “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten”. This means that no matter what has been lost, or how long it has been, God can return those years in a moment, filling our lives with blessings and opportunities.
This season of restoration also calls us to action. Restoration is not passive; it requires us to actively pursue what was lost. When David sought God after a devastating loss, the Lord assured him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all” – 1 Samuel 30:8. Restoration involves courage and action, trusting God to guide us in reclaiming what was taken. As we act in faith, God works with us, empowering us to recover joy, peace, health, and purpose.
At the end of a season of restoration, there is always great joy. Psalm 126:1-2 beautifully captures this: “When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter”.
When God restores, He fills us with such joy that others take notice.
As we look forward into a new year, embrace your new season now. And watch God restore and even elevate you in Jesus name. Amen.
Song:
All hail the Power of Jesus name – hymn by Edward Perronet
Prayer – Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, seeking Your wisdom and power in our lives. Grant us the understanding to discern Your will and the strength to act according to Your purpose. May we rely on You as we navigate the challenges of life. Help us to trust in Christ, who is our wisdom and power, in Jesus Name, amen.
Bible in 1 year: Zechariah 13-14; Revelation 21
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