There is something almost magical about rain in the desert. In a place where rainfall is scarce, when it comes, everyone runs to the windows to watch. People take pictures and post all over social media their delight. For us desert dwellers, rain is celebrated. It is deeply enjoyed. Because, for just a few moments, the harsh conditions that the heat brings are lifted, temperatures drop, and the glaring sun is dimmed by the cloud cover.
For those of you who live in wetter climates, this might sound like the ramblings of a crazy lady to you, but when sunshine and triple digit temperatures are the norm for half the year or more, you learn to love a wet, gloomy, dreary day here and there, and the inner child in you comes out in the form of puddle jumping. Today was one such day. Rain poured down on the desert in Southern California where I’m staying for the next few days, and I can’t even put into words what it did for my soul. I ran outside just to stare at the water fall in buckets from the sky, and it was so refreshing to be outside in the middle of July and to not be sweating.
This, of course, got me thinking. I live in an actual desert, but there have been seasons in my life that feel like a desert. Do you know what I mean? When hardship seems to be the order of the day—for days, weeks, and even months on end. When life is dry and joy is hard to come by. When the heat of trials feels as if it’s going to burn your insides. Desert seasons. And all you long for in those times is a bit of relief, reprieve, and some refreshing. Even if just for a day the heavy load would lessen. Even if the temperature of the fiery trial would drop just a few degrees. You long for water in the dry places.
And then, there was this:
“Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge Him. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” Hosea 6:3 (NIV)
As hot and as dry and as long as the desert season you are in might seem right now, the rains will come. As certain as we can be that the sun will rise tomorrow morning and set tomorrow night, we can be certain that if we seek the Lord and if we press on through the desert to know Him in the midst of our pain, He will come. He will satisfy us. He will revive us. He will refresh us. Just as water in the desert refreshes the dry, parched ground, Jesus will refresh us with His love and His presence if we seek Him in the dry, parched places of our lives.
The temperature in your life right now might be triple digits. The heat might seem just about unbearable. The journey might seem too long, and in it all, you might be thirsty. But take heart today, friends. He will come. Just like the rains come to water the desert, He will come and refresh the dry places of your heart.
So, let us know Him. Let us press on to know Him more. Let us put aside all other substitutes that seek to replace our need for Him, and let us run with perseverance toward His open arms of grace.
Ginny says
Cherie, such encouraging words and beautiful imagery! Thank your for the reminder of His faithfulness to come and refresh us, whatever our circumstances!
Cherie Wagner says
Seeing rain in the Coachella Valley Desert was a first for me yesterday. It’s usually hotter here than it is in Phoenix! I couldn’t help but think of these verses in Hosea. Such an encouraging promise!
Kathleen says
Such an encouragement for me today as I struggle with so many different things. Thanks for shoring up my spirits!