Lessons from the Rain

This morning, I watched from the front porch as a brief shower watered the freshly mowed grass and dry ground underneath.

The rain approached from the west. Before I saw it, I heard it. In the distance, it sounded like car tires humming down a newly-paved road, drawing closer by the second.

As quickly as it reached me, the downpour passed. Driving east, it showered life-giving water on everything in its path.

Afterward, a question challenged my heart. If God cares for inanimate dirt through something as simple (and generous) as rain, how much more will he care for me, an earthen vessel in whom his Spirit dwells?

In our worried-addicted culture, it is so easy to get my eyes off Christ. When faced with challenges, I am tempted to envision my future without him, focusing instead on the size of the problem or the limitations of my strength.

Yet every day, the One who waters the earth invites me to ponder his greatness and care. As I do, my worry and pressure are exchanged for his peace and refreshment.

The next time it rains, consider it an opportunity to slow down. Put your worries on hold. Better yet, give them to God. Ask him to help you experience his goodness in a fresh way. The following verses may help:

• “See how great he is—infinite, greater than anything you could ever imagine or figure out! He pulls water up out of the sea, distills it, and fills up his rain-cloud cisterns. Then the skies open up and pour out soaking showers on everyone. Does anyone have the slightest idea how this happens? How he arranges the clouds, how he speaks in thunder? Just look at that lightning, his sky-filling light show illumining the dark depths of the sea! These are the symbols of his sovereignty, his generosity, his loving care” (Job 36:26-33, The Message).
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• “Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, LORD our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this” (Jer. 14:22, The Message).
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• “Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me” (Matt. 11:28-29, The Passion Translation).
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• “Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7, The Passion Translation).

Illustration by John Weisman / Source image: Lee Soo hyun / Unsplash

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