God Will Restore Wasted Years

 God Will Restore Wasted Years

A family bible study by Keith M. Craddock

Have you ever felt like you've wasted years of your life? Maybe you've struggled with addiction, made poor choices, or simply felt stuck in a rut. Whatever the reason, it's easy to feel like you've lost precious time and opportunities.

Restoration Through God's Mercy

In Joel 2:25 (not Joel 7:25, as there is no Joel 7), we read:

"I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm—my great army that I sent among you."

God promises to restore the years that have been lost. He will repay us for the time that has been wasted.

Forgetting the Past and Embracing the New

In Isaiah 43:18-19, we read:

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

God wants us to forget the past and focus on the new thing He is doing in our lives. He is making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

As Far as the East is From the West

In Psalm 103:12, we read:

"As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."

God has removed our transgressions from us, and He wants us to move forward, not dwell on the past.

Forgiveness and Restoration

In Matthew 6:14-15, we read:

"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive you."

Forgiveness is key to restoration. When we forgive others and ourselves, we open the door for God to forgive us and restore us.

Counting it All Joy

In James 1:2-4, we read:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

We can count it all joy when we face trials, because we know that God is working everything out for our good.

Hope and Encouragement

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we read:

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

We can give thanks in all circumstances, because we know that God is working everything out for our good.

Psalm 104 is a Psalm of Thanksgiving

Psalm 104 is a beautiful Psalm that expresses thanksgiving and praise to God for His creation and provision.

Peace that Transcends Understanding

In Philippians 4:6-7, we read:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

We can experience peace that transcends understanding when we pray and give thanks to God.

Conclusion

God will restore wasted years. He will repay us for the time that has been lost, and He will make a way in the wilderness. Let us forget the past and focus on the new thing God is doing in our lives.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways you've felt like you've wasted years of your life?
How can you apply the principles of forgiveness and restoration to your life?
What does it mean to you to count it all joy when facing trials?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise to restore wasted years. Help us to forget the past and focus on the new thing You are doing in our lives. Give us the strength to persevere and the faith to trust in Your goodness. In Jesus' name, Amen