restoration

This is what has been on my mind lately, as I have become aware of how completely God has restored life to a sweet friend of mine. Restoration is a long work of God, and easily dismissed as a product of time or our own good luck. But last week, I had a moment of clarity, and realized that God has done exactly what He said He would do - He really has repaid her for the years that were lost to fear and hopelessness. Over time, He really has exchanged comfort for mourning and praise for despair. God has done that, and my friend is so different now that I can't even imagine how her life was before. I have heard the stories, but she is so different, they are almost unbelievable. Seeing how God has changed her builds my faith - it gives me a new confidence that God really does what He says he will do. Though it takes longer and is much harder than I want it to be, God is always faithful.

It is very exciting to see, but I can't seem to gather up all of my thoughts about it. Every time I try, I end up rambling ... so I offer instead some quotes about restoration that have been running through my head for the past few days.

I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten -
You will have plenty to eat, until you are full,
and you will praise the name of the Lord your God,
who has worked wonders for you;
never again will my people be shamed.
(from Joel 2)

to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion -
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
(from Isaiah 61)

And all this time I thought that she had killed me
And all these years I spent in the graveyard weeping
But I feel blood pouring through these veins after all
And I feel blood washing through these stains after all
And I am coming to life
(from The Normals)