THE YEARS THE LOCUSTS HAVE EATEN
Periodically, parts of Africa experience locust swarms. The creatures consume crops, coming in such hordes, they blacken the sky. A hard winter follows, but during that time, a transformation occurs beneath the soil. The rotting bodies of the locusts fertilize the young emerging seed, and the next season the plants produce their greatest harvest. Everything lost during the previous year is restored.
(Ron Hembree, Fruits of the Spirit, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker book House, 1969)
The prophet Joel, 800 years before Jesus, described a devastating locust infestation in Judah due to the people’s disobedience. Eventually, the Jews turned to God in repentance, and the Lord promised them, “I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten” (Joel 2:25, KJV).
The same is true in our lives. At times, we experience seasons of distress and sorrow, as if a horde of locusts were eating away any sense of fruitfulness we feel. It’s easy to despair. However, just as God restored the crops to Judah, out of seasons of sorrow the Lord brings new life to us. Our tears are the fertilizer for new beginnings.
If I can be transparent, this is the season I’ve been in, since Linda died eight months ago. On some days, I can’t escape my tears. I’m tired of it. I’m tired of feeling lonely at night. I’m tired of my emotions lying just beneath the surface, prompting me to cry at awkward moments. I’m tired of the months “the locust has eaten.”
Then I remember God’s promises. This isn’t forever. In his perfect timing, he heals and restores our lives. Just as the locusts’ carcasses provide fertilizer for new crops, our tears are the fertilizer for a renewed life. There is hope ahead.
Tears are an important part of our existence. They cleanse the soul. In Psalm 56:8 David observes, “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” The Jews had a custom, that when a loved one died, they sealed some of their tears in a tiny bottle as a memorial. In the same way, God takes note of every tear we shed, and he feels our pain. Our seasons of sorrow are temporary, but his goodness continues forever. In our weariness of waiting, he promises to restore the years the locusts have eaten.
Principle: God will restore our years of sorrow just as he restored the years the locusts had eaten.
Ponder:
When have you experienced a time of healing following a crisis?
How might God heal you from a current or recent situation of sorrow?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Joel 2.
Prayer: God of mercy and healing, during those seasons of sorrow, lift us out of our pain and fill our hearts with hope for our future.