Restoring What Has Been Damaged

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 2:25 (King James Version)

One of my favorite Bible tools is the dictionary because it helps to shed light on a word I may not have a full picture of. Such was the case with the word restore. It means “to put or bring back into existence or use; to bring back to or put back into a former or original state; and to put again in possession of something.” None of that is necessary unless something has been damaged, lost, taken, or injured.

God is ready, willing, and able to show us what needs to be restored in our life. To show us what has been “eaten” by the locust of circumstances or people. Understand that behind it all is the enemy of our souls for he is the one who comes to destroy and devour us at every turn. We often times can only see the tools and individuals he is using but it is imperative that we realize his hand is in the ruin and havoc.

This morning I am thinking of the things that need to be restored, not only in my life but in the lives of those who will read this devotional. It could be the locust of our life has eaten our sense of something that use to come so easily for us. Those who have had their homes broken into often say along with the possessions the person took my sense of feeling safe in my own home. Those who were sexually violated or exploited live with the loss of feeling pure or clean. Acts of betrayal, rejection, or sabotage have left some with the inability to trust others in future relationships. Those who have been ridiculed or slandered may no longer possess a sense of confidence and strength. Those who felt the pain of failure or loss may no longer have a desire to venture out into the unknown. Whatever the case may be, if there is a sense of loss or the feeling that what has been destroyed will never mark my path again, God will show me where that incident took place, what affect it had on me, and the promise that He will restore it.

I cling to that promise today, for I am fully aware of what the locust has eaten in my own life and the result of it. Now I open my arms and my heart to the restoration that only God can bring about.

Father, restore that which has been shattered in my life, so that it no longer affects my relationships. The end of my story is still be written by You. Amen.

Fearless Heart - Point of Grace
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DljiOolx3j0&feature=related

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A Refuge for Me

But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a strong fortress for the people of Israel. Joel 3:16b (New Living Translation)

For much of my Christian life I did not know how to allow God to be my refuge and fortress. My shelter and place of protection from storms, dangers, and falsehood. I took my questions as well as my heartaches to people and looked to them to comfort, nurture, and protect me. In the beginning of a Christian life this is normal and even necessary. But God knows that if a transition is not made, whereby eyes and hearts are directed toward Him, the growth and spiritual well being of that individual will be stunted.

The transition happens naturally for some individuals. Somewhere along the line they see their need to shift their focus and their walk with God becomes an intimate one. For others, God must take some drastic measures to begin the process. I personally was not ready or willing to begin solely looking to Him until significant people were removed. Henry Blackaby says that “sometimes God has to remove others from our lives, so He can continue His purposes for our lives.” Does He know it will hurt? Yes! Does He know we will struggle to understand? Absolutely! Does He know we will wonder if we are going to survive the necessary severing? Definitely! But He also knows the result and He knows ahead of time which direction our heart will take.

For me, the losses drove me to Him and now the current difficulties do as well. Last night was a case in point. I had emailed a friend requesting prayer for some specific areas in my life then I went to bed and found it difficult to fall asleep. My mind was consumed with questions and my eyes were filled with tears…once again. But it was at that time that God began to teach me some truth and help me to see things I had been unaware of. As soon as I took in the truth, the tears ceased and my heart became settled. He was my place of repair and rest at that moment and I slept soundly. No one, absolutely no one, on earth can do that for me like God can!

I carry into today that experience and rejoice anew that He has finally brought me to the point whereby He is the One I run to and cling. He is the One to whom I ask the difficult questions. Will He still use people in my life? Very much so because that is one of His purposes for the body of Christ. But He is the One who now has my attention and neither one of us would want it any other way.

Father, I stand in awe of what You have accomplished that I never could do on my own. I praise You and need You! Amen.

YOU ARE MY HIDING PLACE - Maranatha Singers
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Zej__yFPeK0&feature=related

I welcome your questions and comments to any devotional thoughts. I am honored and delighted to share my journey with you and privileged to hear of yours.