Joel 1 was talking about different type of locusts, how it had invaded the land of the people of Judah and Jerusalem and how the land was dried up and in despair. The locusts here actually mean trials and tribulations. The people of Judah and Jerusalem were going through a period of trials and tribulations.
And this shows that life is not always a bed of roses. When a sad event occurs, we are to go to our father as always. As it said in chapter 1 verse 14: “Announce a time of fasting, call the people together for a solemn meeting. Bring the leaders and all the people of the land into the Temple of the LORD your God, and cry out to him there”. Most times we may not know why we go through certain things in our lives but we must know what to do which is to turn to God. During hard times we should sanctify ourselves, church and community. We should seek God like never before, lest the trial will make us sin more or give us reasons to doubt God’s love for us. We are to be more steadfast in praying. A famous quote says “ Pray hardest when it is hardest to pray”. And most times I’ve come to realize that when you think you can’t take it anymore and you want to give up, you are closer to your blessing than you know.
In Joel 2, we see that God promises us restoration. He sad he will calm the storm if we come to him and abide in him, then our blessings will be unfold thereafter. And he is not a God of lies, Joel 2: 25-27 “The LORD says, “I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you. Once again you will have all the food you want, and you will praise the LORD your God, who does these miracles for you. Never again will my people be disgraced. Then you will know that I am among my people Israel, that I am the LORD your God, and there is no other. Never again will my people be disgraced”. And he also said that he would judge the world for you and he will bless you for being one of his people. “But Egypt will become a wasteland and Edom will become wilderness, because they attacked the people of Judah and killed innocent people in their land. But Judah will be filled with people forever, and Jerusalem will endure through all generations”.
All in all, come rain come sunshine we should set our eyes on God and everything would be alright.
God bless you xx
TeamJoel:
– @tomi_moronkola
– @Mzolly_
– @ikhine27