Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.

Zechariah 10:1 (NIV)

Wherever you might be in the world right now you’re in the midst of a seasonal change. For those of you in the Southern Hemisphere, you’re looking forward to the spring while those of us here in the Northern Hemisphere are moving into fall. In this time of change, we’re all probably wondering, to one degree or another, what the weather’s going to be like. I’d say if you’re not one to give the weather a thought then you should consider yourself blessed. We’ve had so many hurricanes this year we’re almost out of names for them, and throughout the Western United States, drought conditions continue. As people look to Farmer’s Almanacs and seasonal weather reports I wonder how many of us are turning to God and asking Him to bring us the weather we need?

I’ve spent most of my life in Santa Barbara, California which has consistently favorable temperatures all through the year. When I first moved to California it was in a season of drought which was new to me. Although I grew up in Maryland and we always seemed to have plenty of water for crops and such my parents had a well so we needed to watch our water consumption. At least in the summer. Therefore, it wasn’t entirely a new experience to watch water consumption at home. However, I did find it strange going out to restaurants and such and having to ask for water. The biggest change though was seeing so much brown and realizing the vital, everyday need, for water.

I’ve noticed in my life I’m guilty of taking things for granted. In fact, there’s very little I can think of I haven’t taken for granted in my life. However, as I continue to walk with the Lord, I’m appreciating all of the blessings, and not so blessed things, in my life. I don’t believe I’m alone in this group of people who take things for granted. I believe we only appreciate what we have after we lose it. A common trope, I know. However, it sometimes seems that those things that are “common” are no more understood than the “uncommon” or even “rare.” Consider common sense. Is it really so common as we’d like to believe?

Here in the first verse of chapter 10 of Zechariah, the Lord tells the people to ask Him for rain in the springtime. The Lord’s telling the people to ask Him because they’re so prone to seeking idols, who can do nothing, for their help. They needed to be reminded it is God who brings the rain, not idols. We’re really not that different today. Oh, we might not have figures carved out of wood and stone, household gods we pray to and seek guidance from, but we are prone to turning to idols of the flesh who we have set up above ourselves, believing these “idols” know more than we. Therefore, we seek them out for guidance.

There’s nothing wrong with seeking counsel. However, all wisdom comes from God. Therefore, doesn’t it make sense to seek Him first in your life? If you want it to rain then ask God for rain. If you need wisdom about something then ask God. Scripture tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5 NIV). So, go ahead and ask God. He really would like to hear from you!

Do you know God? God knows you and He loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, right now, and He wants you to know Him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so that we could be free of guilt, be freed from death, and live eternally with Him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation today:

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer then, congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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