Scripture
Joel 2:21-27 (NIV)
 
Surely he has done great things!
Do not be afraid, land of Judah;
      be glad and rejoice.
Surely the Lord has done great things!
Do not be afraid, you wild animals,
      for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green.
The trees are bearing their fruit;
      the fig tree   and the vine   yield their riches.
Be glad, people of Zion,
      rejoice   in the   Lord   your God,
for he has given you the autumn rains
      because he is faithful.
He sends you abundant showers,
      both autumn   and spring rains,   as before.
The threshing floors will be filled with grain;
      the vats will overflow   with new wine   and oil.
 
"I will repay you for the years the locusts   have eaten-
     the great locust and the young locust,
     the other locusts and the locust swarm-
my great army that I sent among you.
You will have plenty to eat, until you are full,
      and you will praise   the name of the   Lord   your God,
     who has worked wonders   for you;
never again will my people be shamed.
Then you will know that I am in Israel,
      that I am the   Lord   your God,
     and that there is no other;
never again will my people be shamed."  

Meditation
Do Overs - Cindy Wheatley
 
This uplifting passage in Joel 2 follows a deeply disturbing passage about an army of locusts descending on the land and laying waste to everything in their path. As was the pattern for the prophets, Joel first warns Israel of what will happen as a result of their sin and apostasy, but then shows them the healing that God will bring once they repent and humble themselves before him. In the Old Testament, the curses are always followed by blessings. No matter how badly we mess up, or how far we wander away from God, he will always take us back. "Return to your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love."
 
The Bible doesn't promise us that we will never go through dark times, but it does promise that God is with us during those dark times: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me" (Psalm 23:4). One of my favorite verses is Joel 2:25: "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten." Think about that for a minute. Think about a dark time when you felt like a swarm of locusts had laid waste to your life and nothing would ever grow there again. God promises that if you have faith in him, abide in him, that he will restore that part of your life.
 
I have witnessed this in my own life. God has restored many things that I thought were lost forever: relationships, jobs, and my faith. We serve a God of second chances who never gives up on us.
Reflection
Is there a part of your life where you need renewal and healing? As spring approaches in Orlando, think about your life like a garden and pray for those areas where you need new growth. 

Prayer
Healing God,
Bring new growth to the barren parts of my life; bring abundant showers of love to wash away old resentments and nourish my gratitude. Fill my vats with the oil of joy so that I might rejoice in your faithfulness.
Amen
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