Let It Rain
Recently, I smelled what I thought was a neighbor burning trash. I fussed in my head at the unknown neighbor burning debris in a no-trash-burning county. A short time later, I drove over to Stone Mountain Park, and the smell of burned trash hung in the air. I couldn’t believe the smoke had traveled so far. Later that afternoon, I heard the news of raging wildfires in South Georgia. One of the fires was ignited when a welding spark landed on vegetation. Add a little wind, and it became a disaster too difficult to contain. My heart goes out to the families in South Georgia.
The fires of South Georgia are a sobering reminder of what can happen when a land goes too long without water. Dry, brittle grasses and thirsty trees are vulnerable in parched climates.
This can also be said of the human spirit. There are seasons when the soul feels parched. Life feels ho-hum. We drag through our daily routines, and we may even lack the zeal to live. It can be a dangerous time living in such a state. Any little spark can set us on edge. We can find ourselves lacking patience with family, feeling overwhelmed by simple tasks, and emotionally spent.
When we experience such dryness, it is a sign that we need to pray for rain. This is when we want to cry out to God for help. God is known for sending rain to dry places. Zechariah 10:1 says, “Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.”
When we need a bit of refreshing, Isaiah 58:11 says, “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
During droughts of the soul, opening our hearts to God’s love and grace can bring a deep sense of peace and renewal. Time in scripture, prayer, and meditation can provide us with refreshment as we learn to lean on and trust in God. A misty breeze from the Holy Spirit can provide comfort for a weary soul.
Lord, let it rain. Let love and peace rain in our hearts. Let hospitality and grace rain in our church. Rain patience and prosperity on our families. And in your mercy, send rain and restoration to South Georgia. Refresh, revive, restore us all. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Love,
Pastor Candy