In this passage, the Lord is speaking to the Hebrew people through the prophet Joel. Scholars disagree about when this book was written, but it is clear it is during a difficult time. There is drought, insects have eaten up their crops, and any hope for improvement seems far off in the distance.
While much of this book is an indictment of a people who have turned from God, there is wisdom in these verses about how to weather bad times. No matter the cause of our hardship, remembering the blessings of the past helps us to look forward with hope. Israel is reminded of all the times the rains did come after a dry period, when barns were full of wheat and vats overflowed with wine and oil. They are given a promise that better days are coming.
In many ways, we may feel like we are in a dry time. Yes, there is actual drought in our area, but perhaps there is also a feeling of emotional drought or spiritual drought. How has God brought relief during the dry times of your life in the past? When your remember those times, how does it affect your hope for the future?
In prayer, confess areas of dryness to the Lord and ask for the Spirit to pour living water over your spirit.
