Fears and Tears

Like many parts of the country, there is a lack of rainfall where I live. When there is a lack of water, the dry areas become exposed. This has been true for my yard. The yard has a sprinkler system, but it does not reach all the zones. It was not noticeable until this summer because the rain usually takes care of those areas, leaving the grass vibrant and green.

However this summer, there are numerous areas that are yellow, dry and crunchy underfoot much like hay. I also notice the effects of the drought around me as the wide, Mississippi River has seemed to shrink before my very eyes, and the river banks and ground underneath are exposed. Even state park waterfalls have ceased to flow and the dry ground has spread out beneath them.

I ponder how this ties to the spiritual life, what areas in me have become “dry”. What areas in my life have I kept hidden from God, not letting His grace water and nurture them? There are areas that I have held onto and not surrendered them to God. Some are due to fear, lack of trust, but some of the areas I didn’t know about. They seem to be hidden until I am ready to face them.

The Lord is always there, but I need to let Him into my life. To open up those dry areas to His love and mercy. The beauty of God’s plan is that during a drought is when those areas are exposed and I become aware of them. He reveals them to me over time and shows me more as I am ready. That way, I am made aware and able to receive His supernatural rainfall that only God can provide.

It is a chance for me to examine my life and see what hurts are exposed and present them to God for His healing touch. He also shows me areas that I need to pay more attention to, and give them proper water, and to have them begin to grow again. This is especially true of my prayer life and quiet time.

I bring my petitions to the Lord this morning, and I want to pray for the much needed rain to fall in our land, for the wildfires to be contained, for the safety and protection of the firefighters, and all those affected by the fires and droughts. I also pray for the graces needed for my surrender to the Lord and for His will to be done. I pray this in the most powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, the Lord will be their trust. They are like a tree planted besides the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream; it does not fear heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; in the year of the drought it shows no distress but still produces fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8