Rain! It pounded on the tin roof so loudly we couldn’t hear each other talk. It fell hard and fast, washing dust from the air and filling cracks in the dry dirt. It sang of new life. It signaled the end of dry season and the beginning of rainy season.

Where we lived in Africa, many people considered rain a refreshing, life-bringing gift from God. After weeks and sometimes months of dust and heat, sun and sweat, the rain refreshed. It moistened the sun-baked earth, softening the soil so digging and planting could begin, so the community would have plenty of food. It relieved dry season weariness.

For our five children, the first rain signaled fun! School lessons paused while they ran barefoot, splashing and spinning as the rain soaked them and soaked the earth. Sometimes, they’d simply stand still, as the cool water cascaded over them. 

“Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.” Joel 2:23

The Lord our God is good! Be glad and rejoice in him! He gives rain to refresh, to soften hard soil. He gives his Spirit to soften hard hearts. Just as he faithfully sends abundant showers, so, too, does he faithfully send his Spirit to strengthen and refresh us as we read his Word, spend time with him in prayer, and even play in the rain.

Rejoice, my friend, it’s raining!