A Joyful Restoration 

Based on Joel 1-3, Obadiah 1

"The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men."
Joel 1:12.

Just as the trees look dry & bare during the winter time, the times we are living in now have many different gloomy features as well. If we let ourselves, we can get caught up in all the doom & gloom, or we can make the choice to pursue a joyful restoration! I found the above Scripture so interesting...all that withering in the environment took place BECAUSE joy was withered away from the sons of men! When we let our relationship with God deteriorate, everything around us begins to fall apart too! It all starts with our relationship with God-having the joy of The Lord!

"Is not the meat cut off before our eyes, yea, joy and gladness from the house of our God?"
Joel 1:16.

We should never stop being joyful about Jesus! When things look bleak, that's more reason to praise our way out! It's not God who causes evil to take place...we can't blame Him...we can only call upon the Name of Jesus for a restoration of joy! It all starts in the restoration & revival of our souls:

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Acts 2:38.

The Holy Ghost is a gift we need for our salvation...but also for our joy in this life! Nothing is more joyful than having Jesuscon the inside!

"Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10.

Remember, as our Pastor has said: J.O.Y.=JESUS, OTHERS, YOURSELF!❤

"But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions."
Obadiah 1:17.

When we keeping climbing the mountain, seeking higher ground in our relationship with God, we will possess our possessions! We will find joy, peace, grace & favor! He is always there to help in our time of need; we just need to meet Him. 😉