We come now to the prophecy of Joel, who ministered around 500BC after the completion of the second temple. His oracles draw on what seems to have been a recent experience of a locust plague to foreshadow the great day of judgement. The prophet calls his people to mourn in response to this impending event (1:13-14; 2:12). So, should we take the prophet’s advice? Many Christians would feel that we should not. They would contend that, because we are saved, we have no cause for mourning. But something is forgotten here. Sure, if we just think about ourselves we might find nothing to be sorrowful about. Yes, we are saved through Jesus Christ, but others remain lost. The world is still full of evil, and many people are suffering. God is really sad about it and anyone who has God’s Spirit within them will share God’s sadness, as Paul indicates (Romans 8:23). But even if we do just think about ourselves; are there not things in each one of us that grieve God? John says that we are deceived if we deny this (1 John 1:8). The more you are warmed by the peace and joy of God the more painfully you will feel the coldness of this fallen world. Let yourself, occasionally, be sad about the state of your own heart and about the state of this world. This sadness will enhance your hope in God which, according to Paul, is the source of our joy. The most joyful people are those who allow themselves to feel grief when it is warranted.
Pray for the things that you are most grieved about.
Read Joel 1:1-2:17
