Rain

We need rain. Where I live we’ve been in near drought conditions, which means we’ve taken to reviewing various weather apps with something bordering on desperation. Some of the neighboring counties have even implemented water restrictions. So, when the heavens opened up yesterday morning to give us a good two-hour soaking, I felt like dancing. Even going to the grocery store in the deluge didn’t dampen my spirits (if you’ll pardon the pun).

There’s nothing quite so wonderful as rain when it’s been desperately dry. The grey overcast skies seem comforting rather than dreary. The rumble of thunder a herald of good tidings rather than frightening. It is, after all, a matter of perspective.

And our souls are much like the land: they require regular intervals of soaking to stay vibrant and flourishing. “Let us know, let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, like the latter and former rain to the earth.” (Hosea 6:3 NKJV) There is washing and refreshing available for us in the Word of God and by the Spirit of God, and pursuing the knowledge of the Lord in prayer and mediation places us in a position to benefit from His daily mercies and faithful loving kindness.

Is your soul parched and thirsty? Has dryness produced brittleness in your heart? Let the love of God soak you through and through, and let His Spirit provide for you streams in the desert.

Be strong, do not fear!
Behold, your God will come with vengeance,
With the recompense of God;
He will come and save you.

For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness,
And streams in the desert.
The parched ground shall become a pool,
And the thirsty land springs of water;

A highway shall be there, and a road,
And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness.

But the redeemed shall walk there,
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return,
And come to Zion with singing,
With everlasting joy on their heads.
They shall obtain joy and gladness,
And sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (From Isaiah 35)

Yes, we long for Him. Yes, we desperately need Him. But take heart, dear one, and believe that He will lead you beside still waters and restore your soul, for His name’s sake. (Psalm 23) It’s His nature, His character, and His own purpose to do so.

Until next week, beloved, stand on His Word and be refreshed by Heaven’s rain.