Anyone who knows me knows that I. Hate. The. Rain. There aren't many things that I feel strongly enough to use the word "Hate", but rain is one of them. I'm always grateful that I live in Arizona where we have 296 days of sunshine each year, but sometimes I think that makes it even worse. I'm so used to the good days, that when it does rain, it's worse. It's not the rain so much as the gloomy, dark, damp, cold, and worst of all, the gray. I find myself feeling sad, lethargic, despondent, tired..............hopeless. I dread rain and everything that comes with it.
Today I'm reminded of the miracle that comes with the rain. Although it might seem to go on forever, eventually a light spears through the dark clouds, brilliant and beautiful.
Water falls, nourishing all of its surroundings and provides soothing song.
A soft, peaceful glow encompasses the land, breathtaking in it's beauty.
And every living thing is washed clean, fresh, nourished. Renewed.
Our lives follow this same pattern. We find ourselves in a dark place. Maybe something tragic has happened, or we have lost something or someone dear to us. Maybe we are struggling with something, or feel our prayers have been unanswered. Maybe we feel lost or like no one cares. Regardless of the reason, eventually the dark will end. His light can cut through the darkness, filling our lives with brilliance. His voice will surround us, nourish us, if we listen to Him. He will bring beauty and peace out of the pain, and provides us with joy..... with hope. He washes us clean, leaving us refreshed, and renewed................
If we let Him. If we seek Him instead of turning away from Him. If we embrace the dark times and depend on Him to lead us through it, instead of stumbling our way through on our own.
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him." - James 1:12
God has a plan for us, for me. One that is perfect, even if I don't understand it. He will give me what I need to get through each day. I don't have to know how to get to next week, or next month, or next year. It is enough to get through today.
It is a new year, a new beginning. A time to be refreshed, to start over, to be renewed. A time to reflect, and take action.
"How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given you?" - Joshua 18:3
I'm not waiting.......I will take possession of what the Lord has given me. I will embrace the rain.
No comments:
Post a Comment