Rain for the Drought and for the Soul

Early last night we were surprised by a wonderful soaking rain at our house that lasted several hours. After dinner my husband and I simply sat outside for a couple of hours taking in the smells and sounds of a steady and refreshing rainfall. How thankful I am to God for his grace and goodness in providing this bit of relief for the parched ground and thirsty plants! I ask Him daily to provide large measures of unexpected rain all over Texas in His mercy, filling our drying lakes despite forecasts of continued drought in the coming months.

Our souls cry out for drink, much as the dry soil cries out for water. How can we seek and enjoy a soaking spiritual rain in the midst of busy schedules that zap the life out of our souls--a drought of the spirit?

Cleansing the Soul and the Spring Equinox

Monday’s Dallas Morning News’ contained an article “Clearing the Air for Spring.” The accompanying photograph featured a woman from the Jung Society inhaling smoke while saying a cleansing and smoke prayer, described as a way to cleanse the soul. How can smoke purify something intangible and eternal?

Historically, the equinox has been associated with pagan rituals and nature worship. Instead, we might use it as a time to adore the Creator by cleaning our souls as an act of worship, particularly if we don’t do so for Lent.

The rebirth of nature reminds us of the resurrection of Christ, who died and returned to life by the power of God’s Spirit. We, too, share in his resurrection—now as we live a new life, dead to our old selves, and at Jesus’ return when our bodies will be raised. “By his great mercy he gave us new birth through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3b).

As people who have risen from death to new life, let’s do some soul-cleansing, knowing that only God can wash us through the death and resurrection of Jesus. 1 John 1:9: “But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.”

Here are some questions that allow God access to areas in my life which may need cleansing. (There are too many to put them all!)