Through the night and into the early morning the rain washed the earth and my garden. It made me think how critical rain is during this time of year after I have planted the seeds in hopes for a good harvest in a couple months. But without my effort to til the earth, plant the seeds etc I could not anticipate a harvest of vegetables for my table. Even so how critical it is for each of us to plant the seeds of the Word of God in our hearts during this time in our personal lives, the life of our families, and the life of the church. As I considered this, the words of Isaiah came to mind:
"For My thought are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways", says the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:8-11
If we will take the time for God's Word to be sown into our hearts it will not return empty but God will work in our lives in such a way that a harvest will be produced that will show forth God's purpose in our lives. I know that these are troubling times but we can take great hope in knowing that God is fully aware of ALL that is transpiring and that He is working. Once again, keep your heart and mind fixed on Jesus and not the fear of this pandemic, but let the Word of the Lord soothe your hearts, encourage your trust in the Lord, and cause the joy of your salvation to flourish each and every day!