There is to be prayer from “every one who lives in the land” (Joel
1:14). It is to be personal prayer - “O Lord, I cry to You for help!”
(Joel 1:19). These two belong together - prayer for the nation and
personal prayer. This is expressed so well in the words: “O Holy Ghost,
revival comes from Thee. Send a revival. Start the work in me.”
We
hear the words, “Return to the Lord, your God” (Joel 2:13). They are
followed by some wonderful words about the character of God - “He is
merciful and compassionate, patient and always ready to forgive and to
change His plans about disaster” (Joel 2:13). How do we know that God is
like this? We look at what He has done for us - “Be glad and rejoice.
The Lord has done great things!” (Joel 2:21). Looking at all that the
Lord has done for us, we trust His promise: “Whoever calls on the Name
of the Lord will be saved” (Joel 2:32). This salvation is more than
forgiveness for past sins. It’s more than the future glory of being in
God’s everlasting Kingdom - “Mount Zion” (Joel 2:32). It’s also the
power of the Spirit, here and now: “I will pour out My Spirit on
everyone” (Joel 2:28).
“The Lord will be a Refuge for His people.
He will be a Stronghold for the people of Israel. You will know that I
am the Lord, your God” (Joel 3:16-17). The Lord is reaching out to us.
He’s speaking to us His Word of salvation. As we learn to trust the
Lord, we will find that God shows Himself to be the faithful God. May
the Lord keep us close to Himself.
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