Over the last several weeks, the weather in southern Indiana has been nothing short of depressing. Save a few anomalous days of warmth and sunshine, it has been cold, cloudy, and often extremely wet. I feel like Morgan Freeman’s character in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves when he looked to the sky and screamed, “IS THERE NO SUN IN THIS CURSED COUNTRY!” The dark, damp, drear of recent days has a way of descending into the depth of our being and leaves us longing for the sun and wondering if it will ever shine again.
The weather of the last several weeks is not a new phenomenon for this time of year. It is actually expected. So much so that there are at least two common phrases connected to the persistent precipitation of spring. They have been running on repeat in my mind through this season. They are, “Rain, rain, go away; come again some other day!” and, “April showers bring May flowers.” I find these two phrases to be at competition with one another, or, at least they are in competition within my soul.
When the weather is dark and dismal for extended periods of time, it tends to weigh heavy on the heart. Hope is often hard to find in the midst of storms.
I, without question, want the cold, clouds, and condensation to cease. As the weather goes, so too goes my emotions. The Christian band Reliant K said it best in their song High of 75. They sing, “Tomorrow, I know, will be rainy at best. And the forecast, I know, is that I’ll be depressed.” When the weather is dark and dismal for extended periods of time, it tends to weigh heavy on the heart. Hope is often hard to find in the midst of storms. Thus, we pray for the Lord to make the “Rain, rain, go away; come again some other day!”
But, I also want the new life the wet weather brings about. Even now as I look at the tree just outside of my office window, I see signs of life. Interspersed throughout what have been empty and lifeless branches are bright spots of pink and green as flowers and leaves continue to emerge. The dark dampness of April once again has provided the natural world outside with precisely what it needed to awaken from its slumber and spring back to life. April showers, are once again, bringing May flowers.
As I consider this seasonal reality, I’m reminded that this is often how it works in our lives. Seasons of struggle are part of the human condition. Every human that has ever lived has experienced seasons of darkness, difficulty, and discouragement. We, each of us, have faced stretches of time during which it seemed that the proverbial storms kept coming and the forecast for the days and weeks ahead didn’t look promising. It is tempting, in those seasons, to ask God to cause the rain to stop and the clouds to lift, and it is OK to pray such prayers. But, it is also necessary to understand that it is through the struggles that we become stronger.
Seasons of rain and storm are a source that God uses to produce growth in the soil of our souls.
James 1:2-3 has been a constant comfort and encouragement to me throughout my life. James writes, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” There is hope to be had in difficult days. The rain that continues to fall on our heads, though discouraging and depressing at the time, can actually serve to strengthen us if we allow our roots to dive deep into the presence and power of God as we persevere. And, as we persevere, God, in His grace will produce fruit both in and through our lives. Seasons of rain and storm are a source that God uses to produce growth in the soil of our souls.
I am more than over the rain that continues to fall outside, but I understand the value it can bring. I am more than ready for April’s showers to pass, but I am also excited to see some of May’s flowers emerging. The same is true in my own life, and perhaps in yours, as well. I am ready for the rain to stop, the clouds to lift, and the sun to shine. But, I will patiently wait and trust the Lord in the season of rains as they come, knowing that though showers fall today, flowers will bloom in the days to come, and the sun will shine again.
