The Rain

The earth crouches…waiting…the current in the air is palpable…the fragrance of water is all around yet not a drop in sight. The gray of the sky is thick, covering everything in a weightiness that pushes one down.

If I were one to be affected by this gloom, I would be hidden away in bed with the covers up to my chin. I am the opposite. This weight stirs my soul and inspires me to dive into the depths of the heaviness and wait in eager anticipation for the pouring out of sweet refreshment. I ride my bike out onto the desolate highway. I dig in the dirt and take in every scent of soil waiting with open arms for a drink. I walk through the woods and watch the trees, still and quiet, as if gathering strength to face the coming storm. My animals cling to my side, also watchful, but more in fear of the loud that will assault their sensitive hearing.

This ‘waiting’ is for a much needed respite from drought.

Our land is dry and barren. The tender green grasses hide from scorching sun. The tiny flowers sprout under large protective trees, but the pageant of ferocious growth is absent this year. No rain to speak of since July.

I was thinking, how like our hearts, in anticipation of the coming changes in our worlds.

We are awaiting a coming election in this country. One that could be pivotal in so many arenas. The prophets and the speculators speak their thoughts. The earth-bound authorities wage battles with their tongues. We the people crouch. We feel the currents in the air. We smell the arrival of fresh winds. Many shiver, afraid in their houses. Some are under their covers, waiting until the storm passes over, and the sun comes out. Some are out, sowing seeds, riding the highways, dancing in the forests, comforting their beasts. All wait.

We the ‘people’ of the Living God have nothing to fear! We can ‘make up our minds not to defile ourselves’ as Daniel did. (Daniel 1:8) ; not to lower ourselves to the place that denies God, would sacrifice children to false gods, or who will follow whatever wind of doctrine that seems popular.

Our God will defend us. As we honor Him, He will give us honor.

We wait in eager anticipation for His deliverance from ANY coming storm!

We rest in the scent of His powerful love.

We embrace truth, defend the weak and refuse to be deluded by lying spirits.

The sudden outpouring of rain comes, as expected, and drenches my clothes. I am refreshed from the thick air. The crashing of thunder stirs my spirit like no other, and I am thrilled and excited.

I know what will come out of this beautiful battle. Victory!

Our human eyes that see only the television and the skirmishes and poverty around us, are opened to behold the victorious One, high upon His throne. He has the ultimate authority over the darkness that rages and rears its ugly head. As He reigns, so His Kingdom flourishes. He alone gives authority to whom He will. We must trust that He will have His Way.

“Do not fear, O land, rejoice and be glad, for the Lord has done great things…Rejoice, O sons of Zion, and be glad in the Lord your God; for He has given you the early rain for your vindication. He has poured down for you the rain. The early and the latter rain…

“Then I will make up to you for years the locusts have eaten…”

-Joel 2:21-25

You are so loved my friends! -Betsy