#soap # Joel 01 ## Title: The LORD is Not Silent ## Scripture: (Joel 1:1) “This is the Lord’s message that came to Joel the son of Pethuel:” (NET) ## Observation: I have heard people say the LORD is silent and does not speak when they are going through difficult situations. I don’t think this is the case. Someone can be talking all they want, but if our ears are closed, we do not hear them. Also, if the person speaking is saying words we do not want to hear, we can also close our ears. In this passage, the Lord gave a message to the people through Joel. It does not begin as anything they want to hear. Joel is saying locusts are coming and will devour everything. However, it will end with God restoring all that was lost. It is possible Joel was not talking about locusts but used them as a metaphor to describe invading armies. If so, this is exactly what happened to the Northern and Southern tribes. They were swept away and completely destroyed. But, God fulfilled His promise in Acts 2. When you are going through difficult times, do not be so sure God is silent. Open your ears by carefully reading His Word. Then, hear ALL He has to say. It may start with bad news, but it will always end in hope. ## Application: Read God’s Word every day to hear God speak to you every day. ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for giving us Your Word as a daily voice in our lives.