”Even now — this is the Lord’s declaration — turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. For he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, and he relents from sending disaster. Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind him, so you can offer a grain offering and a drink offering to the Lord your God.
I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust ate, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust — my great army that I sent against you. You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied. You will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. My people will never again be put to shame. You will know that I am present in Israel and that I am the Lord your God, and there is no other. My people will never again be put to shame.“
Joel 2:12-14, 25-27 CSB
The description of total destruction continues with a terrifying image of a shadowy army decimating everything in its path…then suddenly the narrative is interrupted by good news: “turn to the Lord with your whole being”! Don’t make a show of it on the outside, but really make the changes on the inside. That is what the Lord wants!
Joel goes on to say that if we repent, God will bless us by restoring all the things we had lost in our rebellion. He will make Himself known to us and we will live in satisfaction.
Lord, You know my heart…You know that when I was attempting to chase after what seemed right to me, it never led to satisfaction…always to needing more. Now, You have changed my heart, changed my desires, and brought me peace. You are near and guide me and continue to bless me in so many ways. Thank You!
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