On June 11th, I spoke about all of our wasted days, wasted months and even wasted years. Today my purpose is to encourage you as we examine the verses above, where we will find just one of God's precious promises to us.
God's desire is to restore the years that the locust, cankerworm, caterpillar and palmerworm have eaten. And, we will not just eat... "no, we will eat in plenty and be satisfied"!!
Friends, that which was stolen from you, that which was taken from you will be "restored, replaced or made anew"! And, I have found for myself, that it begins when we are able to "praise God in the midst of the storm"!
There are vital lessons to be learned in the barrage of attacks that we all face! And, it is in these onslaughts that we find significant and meaningful truths that give us the strength and faith to endure!
No one lives on the "mountain top of life" all of the time!! No, not at all!! Experienced and mature Christians know that when faced with difficulties, we come to a new understanding and awareness of our relationship with the Lord!
Thankfully we also walk away with a "brand new joy," that God alone places in our hearts! We are literally building a foundation of trust, faith and hope in our Lord Jesus Christ!
I would suggest finding a place to be alone with God, a place where you can begin to pour out your heart to Him and a place where He will hear your praises, simply because our God inhabits the praises of His people!!
...But, thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Psalm 22:3 The Word of God is telling us that God is enthroned, exalted and glorified by our praises!! The praises of our forefathers surrounded the throne room of God; and as they trusted Him, He delivered them!
Many of the wonderful promises of God's Word "came after" the trials and tribulations that we all face! However, when we learn to praise God before we are in the middle of turmoil, we will find it is much easier to "praise Him" in the core of our calamities!
God is faithful to us when we trust Him no matter what place we find ourselves in today and everyday!