Walking in the Rain

By Priscilla Lack

Have you ever had a quote stick with you, coming to mind at opportune times? Lately, I’ve had one such quote catch my attention. It says, “Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet.” This phrase came from Roger Miller, a popular country singer and song writer. One of his best-known songs was King of the Road. (1)

Miller’s quote is thought provoking. I’ve seen a variety of opinions about this saying, but my favorite one is this: it’s our choice to feel or not to feel our experiences, and it’s our choice to learn something new or stay the same. The entirety of what Miller was implying would probably be a great discussion. Some quotes can be like that, they mean different things to each of us.

In the Bible, rain has a number of spiritual implications. It can reflect God’s life-giving blessings (e.g., His provision, teaching, inner growth, and renewal). There can even be a relational aspect to rain―we know, recognize, and are grateful for Who created the rain for us.

In Deuteronomy 32, Moses begins with a declaration and a beautiful depiction of gentle rains: Give ear, O heavens, and let me speak; and let the earth hear the words of my mouth. Let my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, as the droplets on the fresh grass and as the showers on the herb. For I proclaim the Name of the LORD, ascribe greatness to our God! The Rock! His work is perfect for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He.

As the teaching of God’s Word comes to us, it can drop like rain and immerse our soul―transforming our lives for the better. Even when we’re struggling, the blessing of God’s teaching can help steady us. His ways guide us into healthier ways of doing life.

In the natural, rain accomplishes a great deal. Likewise, when the Word of God goes forth, its likened to rains that accomplish heaven’s purposes. These rains come to soften and cultivate our hearts, so we can grow and fulfill the Lord’s calling on our lives. Isaiah 55:10 says, For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth, and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My Word be which goes forth from My mouth. It shall not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

Interestingly, we can learn about God’s patterns by observing the laws of nature that He affixed. (2) The Lord’s creation is woven throughout the Bible to teach us, which includes rain and other agricultural depictions. We find that nature is never in a hurry, but God and nature are always on time and in season.

Walking in the rain can be a wonderful experience. Today, my prayers include more conscious thought about God’s teaching dropping into my heart like rain, letting His Word carry out the purpose for which He sent it. His rain reminds me that each day can be a new adventure. Each day can bring more growth and changes within me.

More than likely, we could all use God’s rains of renewal because life can be hard. Nonetheless, as we cherish walking in His rain, our hearts often see beyond the difficulties. We are touched by our heavenly Father’s unfailing love and we find renewal.

References:

1. https://quoteinvestigator.com/2012/09/21/get-wet/
2. Jeremiah 33:25-26; Genesis 8:22

Priscilla Lack © 2022; all rights reserved.