The First And Latter Rain Physically And Spiritually

For a very long time in southern Iowa, the dirt was crusty and the leaves were getting brittle. We hadn't had a soaking rain in weeks, just enough to wet the top soil and move on. We'd been fishing in ponds that were well over a foot lower than this time last year. Definitely not fun.

But one morning last week I sat down to do my Bible while the rain poured. Rain on the metal roof is one of my favorite sounds in the entire world, and there's something about watching sheets of rain fall that fires up my soul. The cute, drenched bird sitting at the top of the bush outside the window makes me smile, too.

The Bible uses the word rain more than 80 times, both as a noun and a verb. In just the second chapter of Genesis, we're told that in the beginning God made plants and herbs grow without the need for rain, then five chapters later He introduces rain as His means for wiping the earth clean of evil.

Rain was part of the hail and thunders in one of God's plagues over Egypt. (Exodus 9)

God rained down manna from heaven to feed His people. (Exodus 16)

He gave Israel rain at just the right time as a blessing for their obedience to Him. (Leviticus 26)

The word of God is compared to rain, dropping much-needed showers on the grass of our hearts. (Deuteronomy 32)

Rain was withheld as punishment for evil, often combined with thunder for effect. (2 Samuel 1)

Men who followed God and feared Him with holy fear were called fresh, green grass, shining after the rain. (2 Samuel 23)

The blessings of God in answer to prayer would be given like rain upon the land. (1 Kings 8)

The rains would be shut up until there was prayer and repentance in the heart of the people. (2 Chronicles 6)

Only God can send the rain, physically and spiritually. (Job 5)

In times of need, plentiful rain was a sign that God was listening and would answer His people. (Psalm 68)

Actions with a dry heart are like the storm part without the rain attached. (Proverbs 25)

Rain is proof of God's existence because no man can create the weather. (Ecclesiastes 11)

What God plants, He also waters. (Isaiah 44)

Look up in a storm and see the power of God in the rain. (Jeremiah 10)

When we turn from sin and seek the Lord, He rains righteousness upon us in abundance. (Hosea 10)

First the bright clouds, then the rain, then the green grass of the fields. (Zechariah 10)

The same storms come to us all, but the rain will not destroy those who trust in the Lord. (Matthew 7)

Patience to wait for the latter rain and not just the first sprinkles results in an abundance of God's blessings. (James 5)

Whether there is an abundance of rain in your corner of the world today, or you're patiently waiting for the drought to be over, I pray you'll look to the skies and watch for the rain. Each drop is a precious gift from the Lord, and He's ready to pour them out both physically and spiritually. May your heart be blessed with a quenching downpour from God in whatever situation you're facing this week. 

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