With every new year, I make it a point to tune in more on the promises the Lord holds for the upcoming times. Not that we need a change in the calendar to hear from Him, but it’s more about my renewed attentiveness due to the hopeful vibe a new year brings, whispering a more fulfilling future.
Sometimes His word crosses my path before the new year, occasionally a few days after. This time, as I was contemplating, I sensed God reassuring me of ‘restoration.’ Acknowledging my role as a medium of blessings for others, I felt an urge to share these feelings.
Again and again, I heard Him vowing: “To restore what has been lost” The promise made me reflect upon Joel 2:25, where God assures His believers that He’d renew what the locusts destroyed. I found myself questioning, ‘Lord, what is being restored, and how is it happening?’
The occasion when God made this promise, a locust swarm had decimated the crops. Apparently, this havoc lasted for years, and the loss wasn’t trivial. One may assume, considering the magnitude, it’s irreparable. Commentaries indicated that locusts not only destroyed the current harvest but also wiped out previous seeds and future prospects.
In this context, I prophesy restoration in our lives, regardless of the scale of the loss. Even if something is completely gone, our Lord Almighty can revive it, not by mortal prowess but through His Spirit.
Moreover, His methods of restoration don’t just scrape by but provide ample provisions. As portrayed in that scripture, ‘The threshing floors will be packed with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.’ Hence, the essence of Joel 2:25 in modern times.
In 2018, what can we anticipate God restoring in our lives according to Joel 2:22-27?
– He revitalizes our tangible riches. “The wilderness pastures bloom again,” and “the trees will once more bear abundant fruit, with fig trees and vines yielding in full” (Joel 2:22-23).
– Using rain as a symbol, He replenishes our faith and hope (Joel 2:23). This year, God desires to remind us of His unwavering faithfulness daily. Remember the lyrics from Kari Jobe’s song, which says, “Remind me that You’re for me.” He indeed stands with us. May we live in God’s supernatural provision, where miracles are commonplace.
– “You will have plenty to eat and will be fully satisfied” (Joel 2:26). God plans to bring us to a place of fulfillment and peace. He ensures our cup runneth over. It is one thing to possess but never be satiated; this year, we will feast until we are content.
– “You shall honor the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you” (Joel 2:26). He invigorates our spiritual life. He reestablishes Himself as our singular savior. He pulls our hearts toward ongoing spiritual awakening and endless praise. Under the new covenant, He pledges to “complete our joy.” May your happiness be full this year.
– “The late-season rains and the early-season rains will make a comeback” (Joel 2:23). His provisions arrive on time. His restorative power is reliable, as He prepares the soil well in advance to ensure a rewarding harvest. The autumn and spring rains arrive as required to guarantee a successful harvest.
– “My people will never be embarrassed again. You will know that I am in the midst of Israel and that I am the Lord your God. There is no one else” (Joel 2:27). There’s no more embarrassment, as the blessings will be so abundant that the shame of the past will be forgotten. Reveling in the awe of His grace and mercy, we perceive His love overflowing towards us, unmatched by anything else in our lives.
Happy New Year
Wells of Wonder 