I've shared before that sometimes when I spend time with the Lord, He will speak to me about a certain word to ponder on. He probably does it more than I realize.....
I just get a bit distracted at times.
Actually, a post all about distraction will probably show up soon!
Yesterday, I felt Him nudging me to focus on the word "rain". We really need rain in our neck of the woods, but that wasn't what prompted me to do a bit of research on rain in the Bible. This is part of the verse that I first read that spoke to me.....
Psalm 72:6b
"refreshing like spring rain on freshly cut grass"
First of all, I never really thought about the grass being cut Biblical times, did you? But, I completely understood the picture that was being painted by those sweet words. There's nothing like a spring rain that makes every thing "green-up" and just seems to clear the air.
Here are a few other examples of "rain" found in the Scriptures.....
This verse reminded me that God sends refreshment to us in all seasons of our lives.
Again, the Bible reminds us that no matter how bad we think the situation might be at the time to just wait. God hasn't forgotten us. He sees what we're going through and He will "soon" send rain. I just have to remember that my definition of "soon" is probably not the same as God's.
I Kings 18:1
"tell him that I will soon send rain"
Sometimes we feel that as Christians, we shouldn't have to suffer through trials and troubles and tribulations, especially if we see someone who might not be truly trying to live a Christian life get all the breaks. This verse tells us that God doesn't just send "rain" (meaning those "bad" things) on the unjust, but also on the "just"!
Proof that God answers the prayers of His believers.....
This last verse reminds us to be very careful who we hang out with.....
who we choose to be our "friends".
Jude 1:9-12
When these people eat with you in your fellowship meals commemorating the Lord’s love, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving any rain. They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots.
Choose people who will keep us on the "straight and narrow". This doesn't mean living life as a stick in the mud. It just means that as Christians, we truly need to surround ourselves with like-minded people. Often we think we can influence them to our way of thinking and instead the opposite will happen and they will only serve to drag us down.
I'm so glad that God pointed out this word for me to PONDER on.
I HOPE that I'll be able to look at rain differently from now on!
And, don't forget what often comes during those rains.....
a RAINBOW!
Another reminder that God has something beautiful in store for us after the "storms" of life!!!
Ain't God good?
Oh, yes HE is!
Breathing in Grace,
This was lovely!! Thanks, Debbie.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ms. Sandi. Sometimes God just gives me the nudge to "tell it like it is". HOPE you have an awesome day!
DeleteOh Deb I have enjoyed your pondering today. I love these words you used "Choose people who will keep us on the "straight and narrow". This doesn't mean living life as a stick in the mud. It just means that as Christians, we truly need to surround ourselves with like-minded people. Often we think we can influence them to our way of thinking and instead the opposite will happen and they will only serve to drag us down." Those words are so true Deb. And no! Life doesn't have to be a stick in the mud! I wish I had a quarter for every time I've heard the words...CHRISTIANS don't have fun cause they are so fuddy-duddy! Wise words today my friend. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteI've certainly been called a "stick in the mud"....and that I think I'm superior....and I've been ditzed on the WWW....in hopes that I would read it and I did, but you know what.....it's the other person who has to answer for those things.....'cause the good Lord knows I've got plenty to answer for myself!!! LOL I'm glad He's not keeping a list 'cause He has to have a full-time helper just for me! I've learned in my old age that there are certain people that I just cannot be around....I'm no better than them....but....they bring me down....and I'm sure sometimes my "mood" doesn't uplift them either! Oh, I could rattle on and on and this is turning into a whole nuther blog post! So, I'll just say....I love you, dear Friend and HOPE your day is blessed!
DeleteWhat a beautiful post. We have had so much rain the past few days, lots of flooding in my area. I was getting ready to complain. As I continued to read your post and realize that special 'rain' you were telling us about my heart softened and I let your words sink deep in my heart. Your pondering has blessed me today. ((hugs)) to you my dear friend! ~ Please say a prayer...I'm still waiting hear from a dear friend that might have gotten flood waters last night.
ReplyDeleteOh, Ms. Mary, I can't help but wonder why God allows so much rain to fall in one area of the country and so little in another. I'm glad I truly don't know His ways because my feeble brain couldn't comprehend that much knowledge!!! Praying for your friend that she didn't get flood waters. HOPE your day is chock full of blessings!
DeleteHi Debbie! I think God is speaking so clearly to you, and we get the benefit! How powerful was the prayer of Elijah, that it didn't rain for three and a half years. Wow. Our prayers mean so much to the Lord, I hope I never forget that.
ReplyDeleteRain can mean a lot of different things to me. It can be a good soak to the roots, or a flood that destroys...exactly what I need, or more than I need to I can be water to someone else. Such a rich image! No wonder God called you to think about it.
Thank you for sharing your powerful prayer life. God bless,
Ceil