Deeper Life #213

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

—Isaiah 55:3

AFTER A TIME OF DROUGHT, we are refreshed to hear the rain pattering through the leaves of the trees, to see it being drunk in by the thirsty earth, and to feel the whole air laden with the sweet moist aroma as earth rejoices at the downfalling rain. This has its spiritual counterpart in a time of spiritual awakening. When God’s Word is received, there is a melting of the whole life; the bands around the heart go; the spirit expands; and the whole grace and beauty of God come into sharp focus.

When Elijah was praying for rain, he told Ahab to get up and go, for there was the sound of an “abundance of rain.” But Elijah went to the top of Carmel, buried his face in his hands, and prayed. Likewise, when the abundance of the blessing of God comes, some people rise up to eat, drink, and be merry because of the blessing. Others get alone with God, to pray that the blessings of God may flow into the right channels.

How do you react?

Prayer Thought: Lord of the harvest, may the seed of Your Word blossom in the lives of the people around me.

SUGGESTED READING: Isaiah 55:1–5