December 31, 2024
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. Just as winter weather in Canada can set in long before the official start of winter on December 21, similarly, a season of restoration starts when God ordains it.
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. According to Zechariah 10:1, the Bible encourages us to, “Ask for rain in the time of rain”, meaning we should pray earnestly for what God has already promised. Even when we are in a season of blessing, we must seek God and trust that He will provide what we need to thrive.
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. The blessings of restoration are evident not only to us but also to those around us, who will see God’s goodness reflected in our lives.
Song
I’m working in power - 1x
I’m working miracles - 1x
I live a life of favour - 1x
I know who I am - 1x
Song by Sinach
Prayer - Lord, we thank You for Your promise of restoration. Help us to embrace this season with faith, as we rebuild what has been broken, and rejoice in the fullness of Your blessings. May we trust in Your timing and hold fast to Your promise to make all things new. In Jesus’ name, Amen.