Lots of Rain


My family and I spent last week at our regular vacation spot, Lake Pleasant in the Adirondack Mountains.  Normally we go a bit later in the summer at a time when the water levels of the lakes and the rivers have begun to drop. In fact, it is not uncommon for us to see rivers with the rocks of their riverbeds exposed or the channels between lakes become so narrow that it’s hard to get a canoe through them. This time, however, the water levels were exceptionally high.

Not only was it earlier in the season for us, the Adirondacks, like many places along the East Coast, have received an incredibly high amount of rain.  The result for us at Lake Pleasant was a dock that was submerged under water, the loss of about 6 feet of beach, and grounds that were very, very soggy.  In fact, I don’t believe we have ever seen the water levels in the lake and the rivers as high as they were this past week.  Yet, just about every day or night we experienced another storm, dumping more rain into an already full lake and onto the already saturated ground.

Although we sometimes complain about the rain (especially when it interrupts our plans), in the Bible rain and water is most often used to represent blessing. Drought was a sign of judgment. Rain was sign of God’s favor.  To have rain poured out on the land was an indication that God was taking care of his people.  Most of all, rain represented the fact that God was with his people. 

I know we can sometimes feel as if we are living our lives in the midst of a drought. The harsh realities of life can make us feel very, very dry. We can begin to wonder whether or not God has turned his back on us. We can feel as if God is very far away.  Emotionally and spiritually we begin to long for the newness of life that comes with rain. We especially want to know that God is with us.

The Psalmist wrote these words:  “He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills…the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”  (Psalm 147:8, 11 – NIV)  The Psalmist reminds us that when we put our trust in God, he will take care of us and bless us. 

Just as the ground in the mountains was saturated with the rainwaters, so too God wants to saturate your life with the blessing of his presence. Put your trust in him. 

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris

PS – So sorry that it’s been about a week and a half since I last posted.  

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