For those who know how dry it’s been lately in Southern Illinois, yesterday’s rain was a blessing. It was much needed relief to the dry and thirsty land. It was a glad and welcomed sight to behold. It was good to feel the rain again.
I was surprised at how quickly such a rain brought restoration. The yard at the parsonage was all but dead. Except for a couple of passes along the ditch and near the sidewalk, the front yard has not needed mowing for nearly two months. It had turned brown by early August. Walking on it made me cringe with each step as it crunched beneath my feet. It was struggling to survive, and with the passing of each day’s heat and parchedness hope dimmed.
You have to understand something – I love my yard! In the spring it came up more thick and luscious green than the Amazon rainforest. With nary a weed or bald spot in sight, it was a perfect barefooting lawn, great for the boys to run around on. Even in the hotter weather of early summer it kept its luster beautifully.
But my affections for the yard are not wrapped up in its pleasant and tidy appearance. This yard symbolizes the labor of the church’s love. Every time I pull up to the house, each time I mow the grass, and anytime I see the kids playing outside I am reminded of the work that George and Tom put into replanting the yard. When we moved to Ridgway three years ago, there was nothing but dirt where the grass should have been. The yard had been in such poor shape that it needed more than just a little help – it needed new life. So these men killed off the old in order to plant the new. It’s for the love shown in their efforts that I thank the Lord as I brag on how great my yard looks!
So, it hurts to see the yard deteriorate as it has in the past several weeks. Yet, the rain that fell on its arid soil yesterday has already begun to spring it back to life! I distinctly noticed green growth appearing in the midst of the browning stubble. Now, I’m sure there are some farmers around here who can tell a more passionate story about what the rain means to them and their livelihood, but I am thankful and rejoice in the Lord for the showers of His blessings.
Sometimes our lives can get pretty dry, as well. Maybe you haven’t picked up your Bible in reading, meditating or praying to the Lord in several weeks. Maybe you haven’t engaged in serious Bible study with others for quite some time. Maybe you haven’t been active in the fellowship of God’s church, or even if you’ve gone to church the experience barely amounted to a sprinkle. Maybe you’ve been neglecting opportunities for ministry or evangelism and the ground of your heart is increasingly hardening with each passing day.
It’s time for you to soak up the refreshing and restoring rain of the Lord! Let the showers of His Word fall upon your thirsty soul today. Let the righteousness of Christ pour over your heart as you yield anew to His authority in obedience. Let the joy of true, Spirit-filled worship flood your being as you bow before the glory of the Lord, coming humbly into His presence, though boldly in Christ Jesus, with songs of thanksgiving and praise.
You may be surprised at how quickly the green growth will appear and begin bringing restoration to your spiritual drought.
Why not start in meditation and prayer in Psalm 27 right now.
PS 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation--
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life--
of whom shall I be afraid?
PS 27:2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
PS 27:3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
PS 27:4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
PS 27:5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
PS 27:6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
PS 27:7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
PS 27:8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
PS 27:9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.
PS 27:10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
PS 27:11 Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
PS 27:12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.
PS 27:13 I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
PS 27:14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
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