Bring the Rain

It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I might learn your decrees.
(Psalm 119:71)

I started thinking about this after I read the daily devotional from InTouch Ministries.  I noticed that the verse is written in the past tense.  Is it easier to look back on a trial and realize that we grew because of it?

I know it is for me.  When I can look back and see the big picture, it's easier to see how God was working in a situation, and what He taught me in that time.  In the midst of the storm--when I can't see the way out, let alone the big picture--it's more challenging.  When I can't see the big picture (which is pretty much all of the time), I have to rely on God's Word and His promises.  Because He has been faithful in the past, I know I can depend on His faithfulness in the present and the future.

I wholeheartedly agree with this sentence from the devotional:

Affliction acts as spiritual fertilizer on a believer’s faith.

We enrich our garden soil with composted manure.  It's hard work and no fun to dig it into the soil, but the results are worth the effort.  Similarly, the past year or so hasn't been all rainbows and lollipops, but I've grown because of it. I've learned to trust God in a way that I never could have, if everything had been smooth sailing.

So I pray,
Bring me joy
Bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

(MercyMe - lyrics and video)




image credit: stock.xchng user stylesr1