Drought
The earth orbited the sun five times as we prayed for an end of the drought – over 1825 days. Summer after summer we gazed into a cloudless sky, shielding our eyes from the fiery sphere. We watched as the water levels shrank dramatically. Streams disappeared and a lake shriveled to a mere puddle.
Occasionally clouds would fill the sky and there was the blessed relief of rain. Hope filled the heart, followed by days and days of heat and shimmering skies. And we prayed.
This spring the rains have come. They have come in abundance, and we must be careful not to murmur about too many cloudy days, creeks overflowing the road and air so filled with humidity you could wring it out. No complaints. Our answer to prayer has come – washing away the memory of dusty, dry, brown and making everything fresh and new. The Lord never forgot. He never turned a deaf ear. He simply did things in His way and in His time.
I think about my own life. How there are those times of drought – when everything seems dry and old and heaven turned to brass. I pray and look longingly for relief that doesn’t come. One day rolls into another – unchanging.
Than it comes, like a drenching shower bringing refreshment and renewal. With upturned faces we feel it wash over us, coming like a mystery – without answers to all the why’s. But it comes and with it the knowledge that He has always been there – even in the arid times.
We have old oak trees on our land. All during those five long years they remained the same – their branches filled with shiny, green leaves. While everything around them shriveled and died they stood tall. Their secret – roots that go down deep.
There will always be those arid times, I think, but if I sink the roots of my heart down deep into Him – I will make it through until the rains come. He always sends the rain.
“For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes. But its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.” Jeremiah 17:8
Blessings,
Linda
Beautiful, Linda. simply beautiful….the way you conveyed the truth of Scripture. Thank you for showering the artistic writing craft God’s equipped you with over us.
Not sure where that typo came from in my comment, but it should say, “…God’s equipped you with to share with us.”
Powerful message to stay rooted in Him. We need Him in the years of drought. May my roots stay that rooted until He comes.
Yes, I too know drought (being a California girl!). Rivers are running small, creeks are drying up and the water we use daily is being rationed. But you are right, God always sends the rain! In His time. He is faithful to provide all we need.