It was a mostly dry April and so the heavy rains we have had were needed. The grass thickened and turned green, the trees budded, and flowers are coming up.
“Drought” as defined by dictionary.com is “a period of dry weather, an especially long one that is injurious; a prolonged shortage.”
Life can bring times when we feel as if we are in a drought. Our days experience a lack of comfort, laughter, company, encouragement or hope. The only thing in abundance seems to be worries, fears, or hopelessness.
What do we do when drought hits our lives?
Our souls need to be watered every day. They will become parched and hardened if left to navigate these days on their own. We need to keep opening His Word – every day, throughout the day, as often as is needed – in order to get a word which springs out, delivering what is needed.
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
And do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout,
And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;
So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;
It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire,
And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”
(Isaiah 55:10-11, NASB)
He sends His Word, the verses for us to hold onto, which infuse our souls with strength, hope, peace and determination. Both the rain, and God’s Word, are intended to impact the lives of those on earth. God’s Word, His promises, are not impotent or empty. He will make good on all He has spoken.
This is then the result:
“For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace.”
(Isaiah 55:12, NASB)
His joy and peace fill us so we are able to navigate the day. Others will take note we have been with Jesus. When we respond to Him, something happens in our lives – we have hope because of who our God is – He is God, Almighty, Holy and powerful.
Something happens in the desert and drought times of our lives:
“Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days.
The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses.
Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy!”
(Isaiah 35:1-2, NLT)
In the middle of the dryness, of the hopelessness, something bursts – it breaks wide open. Hope springs to life. Joy comes.
“A joyless life is not a Christian life, for joy is one constant in the recipe for Christian living.” (William Barclay)
Joy – the one constant in our lives. It does not depend on circumstances. It does not depend on people. It depends on the One Person, God, whose very presence in our lives brings joy.
Right now we are in the season of spring. Trees are budding, flowers are opening, the grass is turning green.
Get outside today and see all which is blossoming.
May it remind you that our God is victorious.
The desert truly does bloom!
Reflection:
What do you do when you feel like your life is experiencing a drought?
Image by Fractals99 from Pixabay
When I am in a drought, I risk feeling isolated, full of feelings of failure, like giving up - to press in to where He invites us beneath His wing, to keep my eyes on Him - that changes everything. Thank you for this Monday Morning Encouragement and Reminder, Joanne! It is so important to remain intentionally vigilant!
ReplyDelete"It is so important to remain intentionally vigilant!" So true! It is in those very times that we need to keep on meeting with Him on the pages of His Word until we are refreshed and watered!
DeleteSo good Joanne! When I feel like I’m in a drought I listen to worship music, read the Psalms, and spend time in creation.
ReplyDeleteWorship music does it for me as well, Jenifer. And reading the Psalms always makes me realize how we all experience these days, and God is faithful to turn them around!
ReplyDelete