Bring the rain

God is indeed good. For the two minutes it took me to walk from my car to the building door, the rain let up, allowing me to make it in not only without getting wet, but without having to struggle with an open umbrella in addition to the totebag, purse, id card and full, steaming hot cup of coffee. Ten minutes later, the sky reverted to black and angry, and the deluge came.

It's tempting to sit around and congratulate ourselves on avoiding that rain, but the truth is, rain can do great good. The grass, trees and plants are nourished by it. The water system is refreshed and replenished. The dirt is washed away and everything is clean again.

The same thing is true in our lives; the rain of trial brings with it the opportunity for growth and refreshment. It's a chance to draw closer to the one who brings both the rain and the sunshine. Faith often grows most during the darkest nights.

Mercy Me's song Bring the Rain puts it all in perspective, and is a perfect accompaniment to the peeling thunder of this storm-sodden morning:

"Bring The Rain"

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray

Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the rain that sweeps away the dirt in our lives, refreshes our souls and allows our roots to grow deep. Let us look to You for our shelter, our guide through trouble and trial. Thank You for Your faithfulness in seeing us through the storm.
In Jesus' name, Amen.