Folks, I'm not gonna lie to you: Joel 1 is a doozy. It starts off with a bang, literally. Joel tells us that an invasion of locusts has come upon the land and destroyed everything that was once green and fruitful. The damage they've done is catastrophic, and it's left the people in despair.

My father used to say, "When life gives you locusts, make lemonade." That's exactly what Joel wants the people to do. He tells them to lament and weep and rend their garments over the destruction that's been wrought. See here, Jack, don't try to act like it's not a big deal. It is!

But then! Then, Joel takes a moment to lift up the people's spirits, saying that it's not the end of the world. He tells them that if they return to God with all their hearts, he will restore the land, and the crops will be plentiful once again.

I'm not joking, folks. Joel is saying that if the people just turn back to God, all will be right again. C'mon, man! What was that? You don't believe me? Or uh, you know, you think it's impossible? Well, I tell you what, it's not gonna happen. Excuse me, but God will hear their cries and turn the locusts away and all will be right with the world again.