“Gather the people; prepare a holy meeting; assemble the elders; gather the children, even nursing infants.” ~Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Today’s scripture tells us of the people in Judah and focuses on the terrible famine and devastation of the land and everything upon the land. This was God’s judgment upon the people for their sins. The prophet Joel hears the Lord and from the Lord, he hears words of hope and restoration. This passage continues to make us aware of our mortality and the importance of repentance. We know that without repentance God’s judgment can be harsh. We should not put our trust in our possessions as they can be taken away at any time. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” ~Matthew 6:19-21 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%206:19-21&version=NIV
Our trust should be in God alone. God has at times used nature, sorrow or other life situations to draw us to Him. God’s love for His people will endure for all time. “…because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” ~Proverbs 3:12 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%203:12&version=NIV
As we continue our journey through Lent my hope is that we not only repent of our individual sins and wrongdoings but to also help our brothers and sisters, neighbors and our communities in restoring their faith in God. We are stronger when we work together so let’s get out and share the love of Jesus. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” ~Romans 8:35, Romans 8:37 https://biblegateway.com/passage?search=Rom.8.35,Rom.8.37&version=NIV
Breath Prayer: Healing God, turn our sins from barren landscapes to beautiful portraits of life.
~Blessings and Peace~
HOPE SEEKER 