A Good Steady Rain

We have surely been enjoying a lot of really nice weather here in New Jersey this past month. That has meant warm sunny days with very little rain—great for going to the beach, graduations, and early summer barbeques.  However, the lack of rain is already having a negative affect and is obvious when one looks at our lawns. Whereas in June our lawns are usually a bright green and growing at a rapid pace, they are already looking more like August lawns with that touch of brown.  Everything already seems to be a bit dry.

The reason I’m so aware of our lack of rain is that, last week I put grass seed down. I was hoping for a good solid rain to come quickly so I could avoid having to water the lawn.  But that did not happen. In fact, yesterday we were supposed to get some substantial rain but it seemed to stay south of us and all we got was a sprinkle.  So, I had to pull out the hose and sprinkler to water the lawn, hoping the seed will begin to grow.  I’m still hoping that, in the next week, we’ll receive a good steady rain.

I’m reminded today of times in my life when I’ve experienced those dry spells when I was in desperate need of some “rain.” I’m not speaking about the lack of physical rain, but a time in one’s life when you feel empty, lacking vitality, maybe far from God…just kind of dry. We all face those times when we need some refreshing; seasons when we are in need of something to restore life within us; seasons when we are hoping for a good, steady “rain.”

To a nation of people who were feeling just like that, the prophet Hosea wrote these words:  “Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him.  As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” (Hosea 6:3 – NIV)

The Bible shows us, that good steady rain is found in the presence of God! God's presence is able to take that which is drying up and bring about a new sense of life. All you and I need to do is look to him and call upon his name.

So, today if you are feeling kind of dry, ask God him to step into your life. You will soon find the good steady rain of his presence being poured out upon you.

“Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.”  (Joel 2:23 – NIV)

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris