Pay to Pray The book of Joel The problem in Joel’s time was that they were rejecting God while not rejecting religious life. This is like us rejecting God but not rejecting church. We cannot play church and be church at the same time. Habit was mistaken for real devotion. During the reformation Christians confronted other Christians. Self regulation is better than judgement. God calls us to deep repentance that goes straight to the heart. He promises to restore the years the locusts have eaten away when we turn to him with all our hearts.