Restore

re·store - bring back, return, mend

Every year I pick a word, or more like I let a word pick me. This year, the word restore is my word. I am choosing to remember that God brings restoration to what is lost.

In Joel 2:25, it says "And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you."

Joel is an interesting book. In chapter 1, it is written in reflection of a swarm of locusts and disaster that was occurred. At the beginning of chapter 2, it tells again about a disaster in which locusts will swarm, harvests will be lost, and illudes to a great army. God's response to this is then seen in the latter part of the chapter, which is where 2:25 comes from and God says He will restore the years that the locust has eaten.

How does this at all relate to my life and why is restore my word?

From this specific section of scripture, we know that what part of the harvest wasn't affected by one bug, was wiped out by some other. This, to me, showed how everything we have is temporary. It will all come to an end one day. Imagine pouring in hard work to a harvest that you don't get to see because it was ruined by something you couldn't control. That's what is happening here. But, guess what? God said He would restore those years that were taken. God said He makes all things new. (Revelation 21:5)

Is that how you feel now? You're seeing the country crumble, you're seeing the things or people you have invested in, not giving you the harvest you were hoping for. This is where I remind myself that I may not always see the immediate evidence of the work God is doing in my life. Sometimes we are called to plant the seed, or water the seed, and we may not see the immediate harvest.

The harvest will not be lost, because God restores. Not only will He restore, but He promises to pour out His spirit to us. (Joel 2:28)

I hope this year restoration is brought to whatever feels dead in your life. Whether that be a relationship, your prayer life, your joy, motivation, whatever it may be- God is able to mend those things. Cry out to Him.