Then I will make up to you for the years
That the swarming locust has eaten,
The creeping locust, the stripping locust and the gnawing locust,
My great army which I sent among you.
You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied
And praise the name of the Lord your God,
Who has dealt wondrously with you;
Then My people will never be put to shame.  Joel 2:25 , 26 (NASB)

For God’s People

The nights were long and oppressive
Lamenting their history and choices
And the devastation left by the locusts
Sleep failed to come

Days were clouded with confusion
Noise threatened their calm
It was hard to have clarity
And the melody in their hearts became faint

God whispered to be cautious…

The locusts crept in catching them by surprise
Swarming, they covered all
Gnawing away at what they knew and believed
And stripping away their resolve to be faithful

They came to occupy, destroy, and hinder
And left devastation…God’s people were in anguish
Chaos churned within them and their walls
Hands stilled… and the fruit of their labor failed

God whispered to be careful…

Fire devoured what was fertile
Smoke blurred visions
Brooks dried and pools of water evaporated
They stood on the edge of what they’d known

They wailed
Like a bride for her groom
Ministers lamented
And the land mourned
Men ceased to rejoice

God whispered to be concerned…

The day of the Lord draws near
Return to Him with your whole heart
Fast…weep…mourn…
For what was lost

Condemnation is removed

Rend your hearts and return to the Lord
He is gracious and compassionate
Forgiving
Slow to anger and abounding in loving kindness
He will make up for the years the locusts have stolen

Be calm and trust

God is for us
He will sing songs of deliverance
Grain, new wine, and oil will be plentiful
We will eat and be satisfied

God will ever be with us
And we will be Home
There is no striving in this place
Nothing satisfies our soul like Him

When all appears hopeless, and we feel far away from where we need to be, God makes a way! Taking pity on His people, He restores the years the locusts have devoured. And  blesses us beyond measure!  He promises to pour down showers…the early rain …and the latter rains! The soaking downpours will bring cleansing and growth.  We can rejoice and be glad in the days ahead.  Physical and spiritual restoration awaits us and our families!

Lily Mae

* Joel 1 and 2 (NASB)