It recently occurred to me how many songs in the Christian genre reference rain. I'm sure we'd be surprised by the number if we were ever able to gather them all up, but there are three in particular that jumped out in my mind. And as I was thinking about them, I couldn't help but see the progression between them.
Laura Story is a fairly new Christian artist and although you may not recognize her name, chances are if you tune in to Christian radio, you've heard her beautiful song, "Blessings." The first line of the chorus asks the question, "What if your blessings come through raindrops?" Wow. Do we see raindrops as blessings? Perhaps. For a moment. If we've been in a drought. But if raindrops are all we're getting after a horrible drought, are we really satisfied? Or do we just argue that its not enough? Or what if we're looking for sunshine and we get raindrops? We're probably not too happy then either are we? In either situation, we're probably not viewing raindrops as a blessing. Unfortunately, we tend to forget that God knows exactly what we need, how much we need, and when we need it. So if raindrops are what we're getting, you can rest assured that it's what we need at that moment. Even if it's not what we were hoping for, are we thankful for the raindrops?
Then I thought about the lyrics to the old favorite hymn based on Ezekiel 34:26. The lyrics of the song read, "There shall be showers of blessing, oh that today they might fall..." and later in the chorus, "Showers of blessing, showers of blessing we need. Mercy drops round us are falling, but for the showers we plead." Isn't it true that sometimes we're getting the raindrops but feel we're really in need of the showers? Again, we forget that God knows just how much we need and when we need it. Or maybe you're experiencing showers of blessing right now in your life and have forgotten who sent them. Have you praised God for the showers? Or do you only go to Him when you're in need of them?
And finally, a favorite in our house is Casting Crown's song, "Praise You in This Storm." What about when the thunder is rolling and the lightning is striking all around us? What if our raindrops and showers have turned into downpours and the floodwater is rising higher and higher? The song says that even as the thunder rolls, God is whispering through the rain, "I'm with you." Do we rely on this blessed assurance when we're caught up in the storms of life? Or do we instead ask, "Why me?" and grumble and complain about the situation we're in.
Sure, it's easy to praise God and be thankful when the showers of blessing are pouring down around us. But what about when our blessings are disguised as raindrops or when we're in the midst of a terrible storm? Are we still so quick to give Him praise? Hebrews 13:5 reminds us that He will never leave us nor forsake us. No matter what kind of weather we're experiencing. In the raindrops, in the showers and in the storm, He is always there. The only question is do we always acknowledge Him?
"...and daily shall He be praised." ~ Psalm 72:15
Blessings
Showers of Blessing
Praise You in This Storm
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