Rain?

Tuesday, May 17, 2011 (7:25 a.m.)

Blessed Lord,

What a surprise. I opened the curtains to wet sidewalks and other signs that it had rained. I wasn’t expecting it. The last thing I’d heard about rain was that it was no longer in the forecast.

Thank You Lord that it appears gentle and quite needed. It also makes me aware of the areas in the country where the weather is not gentle. Floodwaters are rising and causing much concern. You are in charge Lord. We look to You for help and protection of Your people.

In looking to You, it is only natural to turn to Your Word as well. Again I get lost in the various verses that mention ‘rain’. However, I keep coming back to Hebrews 6:7. “When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing.” I want to bear a good crop Lord.

The pastor on Sunday gave an example about the importance of praying for our enemies. While I don’t necessarily consider those with whom I hold at arms length ‘enemies’ I have to confess my prayers for them are NOT the things I want for myself. Forgive me Lord. If the rain of Your Word is truly falling on all my heart and soul and mind and strength (Mark 12:30) then I would ultimately come to love my neighbor as myself (v. 31). This would be evident in the good crop of Your blessing.

How I thank You Lord for the way You bring Your Truth into my everyday life. Just in turning a couple of pages in The Life Recovery Bible, several subtitles jump out at me:

A Call to Listen to God,

Promised Rest for God’s People,

Christ Is Our High Priest

A Call to Spiritual Growth

God’s Promises Bring Hope

What a privilege, what an honor, what a blessing to be able to rest in You and Your promises Lord. Thank You for the surprise of a rainy day. Thank You so much more that for You there are NO surprises!

You are so good. So perfect. And I am so grateful. Thank You Lord! I love You. Prepare my spiritual ground to soak up Your falling rain on me. Thank You. Amen.

(382 words ~ 8:28 a.m.)