Standing in the Rain?

 

Call me silly, maybe even childish, but there is a simple pleasure in which I delight; standing in the rain! Think summer day with gentle rain falling. Every now and then I just stand in the rain, letting it wet my face, feeling alive.  My adult side reminds me that my clothing is getting wet, that I’ll have to change when I get in the house; and yet, there I stand. Those rains refresh the earth, making the grass grow.  I enjoy the fury of a Summer thunderstorm, too; drenching the ground with a downpour, but I’m wise enough not to stand out in those storms.  Those arid deserts of the West are beautiful in their own way, but I much prefer the woodlands and the green beauty where I live!  As Spring arrives so will the rain and life will thrive.

Are you standing where the rains of Heaven can water your soul?

The Psalmist exults in His provision. "You sent abundant rain, O God, to refresh the weary land. There your people finally settled, and with a bountiful harvest, O God, you provided for your needy people." (Psalm 68:9-10, NLT)  Rain, in those arid regions where the Scripture was written, was a symbol of blessings. When rain came, the crops grew and the people were fed. If rain did not fall, famine followed.  Joel urged the people to "Rejoice in the Lord your God! For the rain he sends demonstrates his faithfulness. Once more the autumn rains will come, as well as the rains of spring. The threshing floors will again be piled high with grain, and the presses will overflow with new wine and olive oil." (Joel 2:23-24, NLT)

I am praying for rain; not the actual rains of Springtime, but the rain of the Spirit. God’s people need a renewal. When His gentle Spirit moves, will you stand in the rain, friend?  In all of the difficulties with which we deal, day in and day out, our souls can get dry, the fruit of the Spirit withered. Sighing overtakes laughter.  Enthusiasm for worship and service are lost to dutiful performance.  So, Lord, let it rain!  Give us childlike hearts so we will not run to hide, but turn our faces upwards and let the rain wash over us, making us alive again.

Isaiah spoke sharply to the sins of God’s people. He did not overlook their refusal to obey the Lord, but he also knew that the Father delights in blessing His people. The last chapters of his prophecies turn from the gloom of judgment to the promise of all things made new.  Read an excerpt in this word from the Word. Feel the warm rain of the Spirit bringing promise to your heart, your soul, your mind.   
"Jerusalem, stand up! Shine! Your new day is dawning. The glory of the Lord shines brightly on you. The earth and its people are covered with darkness, but the glory of the Lord is shining upon you.  … Open your eyes! Look around! Crowds are coming. Your sons are on their way from distant lands; your daughters are being carried like little children. When you see this, your faces will glow; your hearts will pound and swell with pride. Treasures from across the sea and the wealth of nations will be brought to you.  … You were hated and deserted, rejected by everyone. But I will make you beautiful, a city to be proud of for all time to come. … Your sun will never set or your moon go down. I, the Lord, will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will come to an end." (Isaiah 60:1-2, 4-5, 15, 20, CEV)

Are you ready for the rain?  Are you praying for revival? Are you looking for the Promises?
He is a Father who delights in restoration and renewal for His people. So, Lord, let it rain.

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Let It Rain

We feel the rain of Your love

We feel the wind of Your Spirit

And now the heartbeat of Heaven let us hear

We feel the rain of Your love

We feel the wind of Your Spirit

And now the heartbeat of Heaven let us hear

Let it rain let it rain

Would You open the floodgates of Heaven

Let it rain let it rain

Would You open the floodgates of Heaven (Lord)

Let it rain let it rain

Open the floodgates of Heaven

Let it rain let it rain

Open the floodgates of Heaven

Let it rain let it rain

Open the floodgates of Heaven

Let it rain

Lord let it rain Lord let it rain

Over us over us

Lord let it rain we're asking Lord

To let it rain let it rain

Would You open the floodgates of Heaven

Lord let it rain let it rain

Would You open the floodgates of Heaven

Let it rain

Michael Farren

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