We’ve had lots of gray skies and above average rain lately. So far, it’s even snowed more than once this April. Like most Northeasterners, I yearn for more sun and milder temperatures. But I keep consoling myself that all this precipitation is not bad because “April showers bring May flowers.”
As I read Isaiah 55:10 (NLT) recently, I was once again reminded of the dramatic difference between rain from the sky and water from my garden hose.
The rain and the snow come down from the heavens,
and stay on the ground to water the earth,
They cause the grain to grow,
producing seed for the farmer
and bread for the hungry.
Although we use the word “water” for both rain and tap water, the showers from heaven nourish our plants best. Time and again I’ve witnessed how plants are greener after a rain compared to the offerings from my outdoor faucet. Rain water is more oxygenated and contains certain forms of nitrate and ammonium which tap water does not.
In grade school, I learned about the water cycle of precipitation, evaporation and condensation. I was never taught, however, of the invisible and miraculous qualities that come with rain and snow.
Similarly, as a child I never learned the importance of the life-changing qualities of God’s wisdom, which Isaiah reminds us of in verse 55:11 (NLT):
It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
I never want my garden to go without rain because of all its benefits. I do, however, tend to lose sight of the power of God’s wisdom to guide and help me grow. I want to be fruitful. I want my heart and soul to be nourished and green like my well-watered garden. Here’s a photo of my garden taken several years ago in May, after the April showers.
Do you want to be fruitful for God’s kingdom? Then, my challenge to you this month is to take time to nourish and drench your heart, mind and soul in the wisdom of Scripture. Do not only rely on someone telling you about God’s word. Like the rain from heaven that feeds my flowers best, soak in the miracle-growing qualities of God’s word. Then pick one verse and focus on putting it into practice. I recently focused on Isaiah 58:11 (NLT):
The LORD will guide you continually,
giving you water when you are dry
and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like an ever-flowing spring
