Rain

Psalm 84:5-7And how blessed all those in whom you live, whose lives become roads you travel; They wind through lonesome valleys, come upon brooks, discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain! God-traveled, these roads curve up the mountain, and at the last turn—Zion! God in full view!

Recently I drove my 350Z Roadster to work.  I pulled the car out of the garage, the top was down and rain was expected.  I thought; let me see if I can make it to the gas station before putting the top up.  As I first started out the air was cool, about 55 degrees, but a nice change from the last 2 days of 90+ temps. I was listening to a sermon by Alistair Begg enjoying the quiet ride up US17.  Like I said I was trying to get to the gas station before putting the top up, but made it about ¼ mile short, had to pull over and put the top up.

I pulled into the gas station topped off the tank and headed up the Virginia Byway to work. Radio was still on, when I decided to turn it off. What happened next was enjoyment.  I really enjoy driving, especially off the beaten path, and with no traffic. The rain began to come down harder, but the sound of the raindrops on the ole ragtop was music to my ears.

This got me thinking of how God uses rain for His works.  Oh, we all know the obvious, like watering all the plants and trees, helping the farmers, providing drinking water, etc. What about the not so obvious? Like washing down the back roads, cleaning the pollution out of the air, it also drives worms out of the ground that helps feeds the birds.  Rain is just a good cleansing of the earth and if you let it, of the soul. Love like rain, can nourish from above, drenching with a soaking joy. Who doesn’t enjoy sleeping to a nice cool rain on a summer night?  The sound and the coolness helping you sleep peacefully. I also enjoy sitting on the back porch during a rainstorm, for the same reasons. Rain envelops the land like a blanket of silence. It makes time slow down and gives way to softer thoughts.

Psalm 147:7-11 Sing to God a thanksgiving hymn, play music on your instruments to God, Who fills the sky with clouds, preparing rain for the earth, Then turning the mountains green with grass, feeding both cattle and crows. He’s not impressed with horsepower; the size of our muscles means little to him. Those who fear God get God’s attention; they can depend on his strength.

There are many negatives about rain as well. Rain causes traffic jams, rain causes floods, and rain postpones baseball games. In fact I searched the Bible and found more negative scripture on rain than positive. But that’s just like anything in life; you must look for the good because negative is easy to find.  Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet.

Joel 2:21-24 Fear not, Earth! Be glad and celebrate! God has done great things. Fear not, wild animals! The fields and meadows are greening up. The trees are bearing fruit again: a bumper crop of fig trees and vines! Children of Zion, celebrate! Be glad in your God. He’s giving you a teacher to train you how to live right— Teaching, like rain out of heaven, showers of words to refresh and nourish your soul, just as he used to do. And plenty of food for your body—silos full of grain, casks of wine and barrels of olive oil.

So, stop and enjoy those small periods of rain. Look at them as a time to replenish the soul and thank God for the rain.