If you dropped by from {re}fresh, Welcome!
Let my teaching fall like rain, and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants…
Deuteronomy 32:2 NIV
Leaving
the January New England cold, we flew west to “sunny” California. In a land
experiencing drought for almost five years, we looked forward to some
spring-like weather—sunny skies and warm temps. But, shortly after we landed, overcast
skies and cool, damp breezes became the norm. Eventually, heavy fog set in and monsoon
down pours dampened our plans.
We
tried not to complain because California was so parched. After a couple of
tough traveling days, the rains slowed and the skies brightened long enough to
reveal California’s need and all its glory.
We
found the need driving north to Yosemite where hundreds of thousands of acres of
blackened, fire damaged land and trees stood as evidence. This barren land lay
parched and black, crying out for a deep drink of heaven’s rain.
Reservoirs
that once ran high along the banks, sat shrunken as though a giant had taken
too deep a sip from his oversized straw, leaving but the dregs at the bottom of
his glass.
But
there was hope, as we traveled through Napa Valley and along the northern
shore. California’s glory sang through glistening pruned vineyards, new green
pastures, grazing herds, and crops harvested for market around every corner.
Such a drastic difference—these two experiences—it made me think how much like our
lives this represented. Our souls may experience years of drought, thirsting
after heaven’s rain, and yet none comes. But, through it all, we learn the
importance of faith in God, community, and family—how being more dependent on
God and one another is actually the better way to live. We become humbled
during the drought years until our hearts are ready to drink in God’s
blessings.
And
when God’s blessings rain down upon a ready heart, God’s glory becomes evident
because good fruit appears—fruit, that when harvested, with nourish many.
Preparing
to cross over to the Promised Land, God gave Moses a song for Israel. Here it
is in part from Deuteronomy 32:2, 37,
39 (NIV):
Let my teaching fall like rain, and my words descend like
dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants…
They are not idle words for you—they are your life. By them
you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess…
See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I
put to death and I bring to life…
Where
do you find yourself today? Drought or Rain? Do not curse either, as one
prepares your heart to receive God’s teaching and the other prepares your heart
for harvest. While in drought, ask God, “What is it that you want to teach me?
What do you want to be for me during this time?” While it’s raining, give
thanks, celebrate and humbly remember God as the source of the blessings.
