Rain

Living in arid Colorado can make you appreciate the rain. Any rain. When it comes to snow, we absolutely have that covered. And we get some doozy snowstorms including the notorious bomb cyclone of a few years back. But liquid precipitation – rain – well that is a real treat.

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You heavens above, rain down my righteousness;
let the clouds shower it down.
Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up,
let righteousness flourish with it;
I, the Lord, have created it.
Isaiah 45:8
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Recently we had a period of consistent rain for several days. While it was a treat for the first couple of days, after a while many of us were feeling the results of no sunshine. It was gloomy outside and, frankly, in our own hearts too. We are used to an average of 247 days of sunshine in Colorado Springs and were feeling the effects of that norm seemingly fall right before our very eyes!

During that week, I looked out the window one night to see that it was still raining. I think the only thing rarer than rain in Colorado is rain at night in Colorado. And it was heavy with low, rolling thunder in the background.

I sensed the Lord’s voice in that moment…

The rain is not only good for the earth, it is also a sign of my blessing on you. You have been praying for my hand to move in the yearnings of your heart. It requires my washing. Yes, it can be cold, uncomfortable, and gloomy but the rain – just like the sun – is from me. A gift. Receive it and embrace my answer to your prayers. Drink in my refreshing. Let my watering soak deep into the roots of your being. Welcome the invitation to curl up in the blanket of my Spirit and pause. Rest. Drink. I am at work in the rain.

In a matter of a few more days, the clouds cleared, and the sun did, in fact, reappear. We welcomed it and then marveled at the brilliant colors of the well-watered flowers, grass, and trees around us. Yes, our land needed the rain, and I had forgotten just how brilliant the foliage could be with so much of it.

As I write this, I am in the Midwest where rain is more frequent. So it was no surprise when I woke up to rain today. The sun has been masked all day by a heavy layer of clouds and my hair has been in full-frizz mode. Once again, the Lord prompted me to pay attention. I felt reminded by the Lord that he is at work. And while the rain is a gentle mist here, and not the heavy downpour we experienced at home, it is a perfect amount of watering to his work.

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Pay attention!
Watch this wonder that God is going to perform before you now!
1 Samuel 12:16 MSG
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So I prayerfully pause. Intentionally sit – comfortably positioned in a sweet little coffee shop where worship music softly plays in the background and scripture surrounds me in a variety of Bibles, decorative signs, conversations, and couch pillows. Gently reminding me that he is with me wherever I may be.

And now the sun has broken out. Brightly reminding me of his presence in that gift as well.

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For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,
and my blessing on your descendants.
Isaiah 44:4
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Rain and sun. Peaceful and difficult. Our Father is faithfully present in it all. Never leaving or forsaking us. Always weaving events into the beautiful tapestry of the lives he has gifted us. Loving examples of his sacrifice, miraculous works, and selfless love. Whispered reminders that…

You are adored.