I’ve mentioned before that Jim and I seek the Lord at the end of each year to get his insight for the coming year. Often He will give us one word or phrase that serves as a theme for the new year- sometimes it rhymes, and at other times it does not. We are not simply looking for a cute rhyme, but seeking the heart and mind of God.. As we wrap up 2023 and head into 2024, we believe a key word that speaks of the way the new year will progress is restore.

“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame. Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the Lord your God And there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame. “And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. Joel 2:25-29 (NKJV) emphasis mine

Notice that God tells Israel that He will bring restoration to them. He tells them He will restore to them what was lost and stolen, including time. And what does He say will follow restoration? The outpouring of His Spirit on all flesh! Restoration and outpouring are tied together. When restoration takes place, revival, refreshing, and a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit is not far behind.

People do not despise a thief If he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving. Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; He may have to give up all the substance of his house. Proverbs 6:30-31 (NKJV)

As we end 2023, it is not a time to lose hope. It is a time to look forward with anticipation and joy. Full restoration of everything that has been taken from us or held back by the enemy is coming! When God restores, there is payback and multiplication involved. In other words, we get back MORE than we lost! Also notice that the enemy has to restore sevenfold or seven times what he took. plus, it says he may have to give back all the substance of his house to pay what he owes us. I like how the Voice describes the enemy’s loss. It says that he could end up losing everything he owns!

So, restoration pays us back what was lost, plus much more than what was lost. In addition, it spoils the enemy and basically leaves him with nothing. God is telling us that He will restore in 2024, so we can expect payback with interest and a bankrupting of the enemy! And we can expect the great outpouring of the Spirit of God and His glory filling the earth. 2024 will be a year like no other!