In celebration of our 35^th anniversary at Living Perspectives, I am writing 35 blogs touching 35 biblical verses that have been instrumental in healing & transformation in the lives of many.

Have you ever said something and wish you could take it back?  How about a decision you wish you could reverse?   The Israelites continually made decisions taking them away from God.  Locust were sent to consume the fields to show God’s power and to reveal His justice. But God also showed his love and compassion:

Applicable Verse #3  “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten–the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust that I sent among you.”

I have consulted with many men and women who have had their lives severely disrupted by “locust.”  Decisions counter to God’s leading resulted in losing a cherished job, ending a relationship, financial chaos, addiction or other ongoing sin.  Discouraged and depressed, “hope” just seemed to be a 4 letter word.

Having shared this verse often, I have been told it was the beginning of a turn-around in attitude, action and blessing.  Biblical scholars may take issue with this application, but I have seen the concept of God’s restoring love at work in the lives of countless individuals and families.

The passage goes on: “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 not other; never again will my people be shamed.” Joel 2:25-27 NIV

God shares his love and grace for his people (and for us) when they turn their life direction and love to Him.  Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.  There is hope in restoration if one will acknowledge that God will be part of the solution.  Steps to restoration:

• Ask for & accept the forgiveness for your actions-Christ gave his life for you
• Make a major change in your life-turn toward God (repentance defined)
• Leave the past behind, and focus on God’s solutions
• Pray and begin to take steps: seek counsel, identify plans and praise God for His faithfulness                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Nobody said it is easy, but Jesus has promised to walk with you if you invite him along. Have a nice day.      

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