Monday, June 2, 2014

Tumbleweeds or Flowers



The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty,
to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. Deuteronomy 28:12

“We’re in for a six-inch rain.”

I laughed. “You’re crazy.”

“I’m serious. The raindrops are six inches apart.” My husband smiled, but the truth is sad.

We live in one of the most drought-stricken areas of the western United States, where even the slightest rainfall is appreciated. Our fire danger was high even on days when a few inches of snow lay on the ground. Plants and animals both struggle for survival.We pray for rain and look with hope at each grayish cloud. Our rain is measured in hundredths of inches, and each small increment is reason for rejoicing.

When we visited Scotland, the abundance of grass, flowers, and trees amazed me. We still laugh at the memory of a tartan-clad, older couple, eating ice cream in the pouring rain. As he tipped his hat, we heard him exclaim, “Lovely day!” They enjoyed the blessings of the rain.

Rain is a sign of God’s favor in scripture. Acts 14 says, “He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven….” There are times when I feel as if drought has come to my spirit. Everything is a struggle. My mood turns bad. My thoughts are negative. My relationships grow strained.

After years of punishing drought, the hillsides around our home are speckled with gray where dead trees stand out among the green. The fear of destructive forest fires is very real. Drought leads to discouragement, while ample rain yields life and hope.

When nothing goes right and the world around seems full of tumbleweeds rather than flowers, I look first to my time with God. If I have neglected or rushed through my time with my heavenly Father, I need to linger over His word and enjoy extra time in prayer so His Holy Spirit can correct my frame of mind. Ample time in prayer, and meditating on scripture each day, sets my heart at ease and shapes my attitude in more positive directions. My spirit is lighter in God’s presence and I experience His help in the trials of the day.

The rain of God’s presence blesses the work of my hands, and His bountiful storehouses of blessing open to me like flowers after rain. When I take time to let God’s thoughts soak deep into my heart and mind, my efforts flourish and are blessed.

© Copyright May 23, 2014 by Norma Gail Thurston Holtman
www.normagail.com
Author of Land of My Dreams
Contemporary Christian Romance


9 comments:

  1. Through in all, wet or dry, God is Good!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  2. Good word for today, Norma. Thanks!

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  3. I enjoyed your message today, Norma. Glad we are connected. Have a blessed day.

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  4. Truly enjoyed your blog, and this: If I have neglected or rushed through my time with my heavenly Father...reminded me of a song I love. I Miss My Time with You. http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/l/larnelle_harris/i_miss_my_time_with_you.html

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  5. Norma, thank you for the post today. I seem to live in the same desolate country more often than not at times.

    Patricia - One of my favorite songs too. I miss my time with you these moments together… I need to be with you each day and it hurts me when you say you're too busy, busy trying to serve me, cause how can you serve me, when your spirits empty…

    There's another little Larnelle Harris song called In the Desert of My Days speaks to today's topic. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZnxkBNROBw&feature=kip

    Tina Pinson

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  6. Great post! Thanks for sharing.

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  7. I always look forward to your devotional thoughts, Norma! I needed this beautiful post today and thank you so much for sharing!

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  8. Norma, this is wonderful. How refreshing is the rain of grace poured out on our dry spirits. But you're right, how can we drink of the Living Water if we don't seek Him?

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