Years of the Locusts

Had some thoughts when reading this morning. Surely I am no theologian, but this chapter really spoke to me, especially verse 25.

I can only speak for myself, so that’s what I’ll do. I can say without much hyperbole that locusts have seriously laid waste to my life. Of course, I pretty much invited them to do it, largely courtesy of a nearly unbroken chain of poor choices and bad circumstances.

When did this begin to change?

I’d have to say, when I seriously began to surrender my decisions, and decision making to God, seeking his wisdom to make them. And over the course of my life, I’ve made a lot of stupid decisions.

The thing is, what I chose made me more empty ultimately.

Binge drinking.

Binge “porn-ing.”

A couple of empty relationships with women.

I always believed, but came pretty dang far from actively living out my faith, even after finally getting married. This was true for time.

Then it wasn’t.

Prayer made a big difference.

Daily scripture reading made a big difference.

The things I took began to change, little by little. Consequently, when my input changed, my output began to change as well. I didn’t so much look back on the past with regret, but began to look back with thankfulness.

I still wished I’d made better decisions and that things had worked out differently in many situations, but with that reaization came the realization that none of those situations came without lessons.

Matthew 8:28-30

28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who ⁱ have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Don’t misunderstand me, I’m not saying I’m justified or glorious because of anything I’ve done, or any decision I’ve made. Any justification or glory in my life is because of what Jesus has done, generally speaking, but also very personally in my life.

That’s no small thing.

And going through the good and bad in my life–especially the bad–has been so useful in wiping away the cobwebs and helping me to see God’s truth.

To quote singer Todd Agnew:

I was born with no chance at life
Dead before I took my first breath
I was born with no family ties
Alone before I knew where I lived

CHORUS:
They called me broken, worthless, and a shame
They called me wasted, used up, and chained
But You made me Your child
And You called me Your own
Now they can call me
But they’ve got to use my new name

I walked miles and couldn’t find a home
There was no place that I belonged
I walked for days and days and weeks and years
Couldn’t find a melody for my song

CHORUS

I don’t need money, I don’t need fame
I don’t need the love that this world can bring
I don’t need this prison, I don’t need these chains
I needed a Father, and Child is my new name

I’m not adopted in the sense Todd Agnew was.

But the feeling of being a child of someone…even when you’re a bald old guy…maybe especially…is pretty amazing.

I wouldn’t change anything. It was all worth it.

I feel like Jesus has repaid all the years the locust has eaten.