A rainy atmosphere can set the mood for the day. Some folks find an overcast sky soothing or refreshing. Others want to roll over and fall back asleep or curl up with a blanket on the couch.
My personal sentiment tends to reflect the dreariness of the weather. But rain is absolutely necessary. A morning drizzle, afternoon storm, or evening shower are welcome in times of dryness, dehydration, and drought.
Prevailing sunshine is not sustainable; clouds and precipitation contribute to the earth’s health and operation. And so it is in life. Prolonged seasons of goodness make a person forget hardship; turbulent times help God’s people remember His presence and appreciate His provision.
I believe rain comes as a gentle (sometimes harsh) reminder of that.
In early days, God promised blessing for obedience and warned of cursing for disobedience. “The Lord will open to you His good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands … The heavens over your head shall be bronze, and the earth under you shall be iron. The Lord will make the rain of your land powder. From heaven dust shall come down on you until you are destroyed” (Deuteronomy 28:12, 23-24).
Rain is a gift from God and proof of His presence, like manna from above.
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not.” – Exodus 15:4
“Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God, for He has given the early rain for your vindication; He has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the latter rain, as before.” – Joel 2:23
“He did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” – Acts 14:17
He reveals His Kingdom and expresses His character in terms of spiritual rain.
“Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause them both to sprout; I the Lord have created it.” – Isaiah 45:8
“Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that He may come and rain righteousness upon you.” – Hosea 10:12
“Ask rain from the Lord in the season of the spring rain, from the Lord who makes the storm clouds, and He will give them showers of rain, to everyone the vegetation in the field.” – Zechariah 10:1
After all, only He can.
“Are there any among the false gods of the nations that can bring rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Are You not He, O Lord our God? We set our hope on You, for You do all these things.” – Jeremiah 14:22
Abby
