Perhaps we look back and regret the time we’ve wasted. Or maybe our loss came at the hands of others. Either way, there’s no need to live in anger or despair, as God is able to restore our lost years.
To be sure, there’s great sorrow and resentment when we realize how much time we’ve lost, either through our own sins or the sins of others. And it might be tempting in these moments to just give up and assume all is lost. Or we might let bitterness consume us as we become hell-bent on seeking revenge.
The better approach is remembering the power of our God who is able to restore our lost years. Whether these are years lost to our own pride, passivity, or selfishness, or years lost enduring the disrespect, contempt, and outright hatred of others. Whatever it looks like, God is able to bring us into a time of abundance and peace that surpasses what was lost. And, like Job, the second half of our life might be blessed even more than the first.
But it would be a mistake to assume this is just concerning physical blessings. Certainly, God might increase our bank account, houses, and the various luxuries of this life. And we should freely enjoy these blessings whenever this is the case.
But, more to the point, this restoration is about redeeming our story – allowing us to live with greater freedom, power, and love. No longer will we miss our opportunity to bring more life and goodness into the world, enjoy deep intimacies along the way, or to drink deeply of the many pleasures God has given us. Despite what was lost at the beginning, God remains more than able to restore our heart’s desires to the full.
In the end, weep and grieve for all that was lost. But let your sorrow be turned into profound joy, as God is able to restore your lost years.
Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash
