Restoring the Years the Locust Has Eaten: A Journey of Renewal and Hope

Life is not without its seasons of loss. There are times when it feels like everything we’ve built, dreamed of, or cherished has been devoured by the metaphorical locusts of hardship—be it financial struggles, broken relationships, health challenges, or missed opportunities. These moments can leave us feeling empty and hopeless, wondering if restoration is even possible.

But God, in His infinite mercy and grace, offers a promise of renewal. Through the prophet Joel, He declares:
“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten” (Joel 2:25, ESV).

This powerful verse is more than just words—it’s a beacon of hope for those who feel they’ve lost time, opportunities, or joy. It’s an assurance that no matter what has been taken, God is capable of bringing restoration in ways we cannot imagine.

Understanding the Years the Locust Has Eaten

The locusts described in Joel’s prophecy symbolise devastating loss. In the context of Israel, they represented literal swarms that destroyed crops and livelihoods. Spiritually, they signify the trials, setbacks, and sufferings that seem to consume the fruitful years of our lives.

Have you ever felt like the locusts have invaded your life? Perhaps you’ve experienced:

• The loss of relationships due to conflict, betrayal, or misunderstandings.
• Missed opportunities that leave you wondering what could have been.
• Dreams deferred by illness, financial struggles, or unforeseen circumstances.
• Emotional and spiritual dryness after seasons of hardship or failure.

These losses can feel overwhelming, but God’s promise in Joel 2:25 speaks directly to these experiences.

God’s Promise of Restoration

God doesn’t merely promise to halt the damage caused by the locusts—He promises to restore what was lost. This is a deeper and more profound promise because it goes beyond repair; it’s about renewal and abundance.

1. Restoration Beyond Human Limits
   God’s ability to restore is not limited by human logic or time. The years you think are wasted, God can use for His glory:
   “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).
2. Abundance in Place of Loss
   Joel continues the prophecy with these words:
   “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” (Joel 2:26, NIV).
   This is a picture of abundance replacing scarcity, joy replacing sorrow, and gratitude replacing despair.
3. A Testimony of God’s Faithfulness
   When God restores, He does so in a way that reveals His glory and power. Your restored life becomes a testimony that draws others to Him.
   “Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other” (Joel 2:27, NIV).

How to Experience God’s Restoration

1. Return to God
   Restoration begins with repentance and returning to God. Joel’s prophecy calls the people to:
   “Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love” (Joel 2:13, NIV).
   When we turn to God, we position ourselves to receive His blessings and restoration.
2. Trust in His Timing
   Restoration may not happen overnight, but God’s timing is always perfect.
   “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11, NIV).
   Be patient and trust that He is working, even when you cannot see it.
3. Walk by Faith, Not by Sight
   Faith is essential when believing in God’s promise of restoration. The enemy may try to discourage you with reminders of your losses, but stand firm in God’s Word:
   “For we live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7, NIV).
4. Embrace God’s New Opportunities
   Restoration often comes in unexpected ways. Be open to the new doors God is opening and the fresh paths He is leading you on.
   “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19, NIV).

Biblical Examples of Restoration

1. Job
   Job lost everything—his wealth, his family, and his health. Yet, because of his faithfulness, God restored his fortunes, giving him twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10).
   Lesson: God can restore beyond what you’ve lost.
2. Joseph
   Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and imprisoned unjustly. Yet, God elevated him to a position of power in Egypt, where he saved countless lives during a famine.
   Lesson: God’s restoration often aligns with His greater purpose.
3. Peter
   Peter denied Jesus three times, a failure he deeply regretted. Yet Jesus restored him and commissioned him to shepherd His flock (John 21:15–17).
   Lesson: God’s restoration includes a renewed purpose.

A Prayer for Restoration

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your promise to restore the years the locust has eaten. I come to You with my losses, pain, and regrets, trusting that You are the God of restoration. Help me to turn my heart fully to You, to trust in Your timing, and to walk in faith even when I cannot see the outcome. Renew my spirit, restore my hope, and transform my life for Your glory. Thank you for making all things new. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Your Testimony of Restoration

The years the locust has eaten are not the end of your story. God specialises in bringing beauty from ashes, joy from mourning, and hope from despair. His promise in Joel 2:25 is as true today as it was then: “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten.”

Hold onto this promise and watch as God takes your losses and transforms them into a powerful testimony of His grace, faithfulness, and love. Your best days are not behind you—they are yet to come.