Joel 1:7 It has laid waste my vines and ruined my fig trees. It has stripped off their bark and thrown it away, leaving their branches white.
Today’s chapter brought to mind versions of church signs I’ve seen that have always bothered me. The first is: When all else fails, pray. The second is: When all else fails, read the instructions (meaning the Bible). I’ve always wondered why in the world anyone would wait until all else has failed to do either.
Joel 1:12 The vine is dried up and the fig tree is withered; the pomegranate, the palm and the apple tree—all the trees of the field—are dried up. Surely the people’s joy is withered away.
Joel 1 seems to provide a little bit of an answer: humans are proud. We like to be self-sufficient, often to the point of absurdity. When we get stuck in self-reliance mode, it often takes huge, uncontrollable things for us to realize that God didn’t intend for us to shoulder it all. He is our strength, our very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1), but we have to turn to Him, to invite Him into our struggle.
Joel 1:19 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.
Lord, Thank You for allowing me to choose You. Forgive me for all those times I let pride and self-reliance get in the way. Help me to turn to You first and always, no matter the situation. Help me never to forget that You are my strength. Draw me closer to You. Amen.
Joel 1:20 Even the wild animals pant for you; the streams of water have dried up and fire has devoured the pastures in the wilderness.
Have a blessed day.