September 13, 2017. Joel 1-3

In Order. Caught Up in Fear?

Joel is not an easy book to read if you are one who is prone to worrying easily.  It is full of prophesy of what will one day come, the return of the Lord, the coming of our King.  He does not hold back in the details of what will come, from the unending darkness, the fires that will rage, and nations in anguish. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the fear and the worry that these chapters contain.  But this is where your heart comes in.  Who holds your heart? Who do you trust in the moments of fear and worry?

Joel 1:19-20

To you, Lord, I call, for fire has devoured the pastures in the wilderness and flames have burned up all the trees of the field. Even the wild animals pant for you; the streams of water have dried up and fire has devoured the pastures in the wilderness.

Even when there seemed to be no hope, surrounded by fire, fire consuming everything in its path, even the animals panted for the Lord God.

Joel 2:11

The Lord thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty is the army that obeys his command. The day of the Lord is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?

Have you not realized yet who the Lord is? He is mightier then any other person or thing in this world, his army is beyond number, we cannot even fathom the number that obeys his command.  How awesome is that? That is who fights for us! A God, who is so powerful and yet so loving, fights for us.

Joel 2:13

Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

Don’t get caught up on the doom and gloom that goes on around you.  Don’t let the fear of what may come stop you from living the life God has called you to lead.  You have a God who will fight for you, if you will only remember to call on his name and follow close to him.