Embrace the Rain

I hear the rain falling. Some of our roofs our made in such a way that when the rain pours, it is almost deafening. Trying to speak over it is a futile effort ending up in a yelling tone with the one you are communicating with catching one word, maybe. I like it this way. It causes you to stop for a moment and reflect.

A few nights ago, I fell asleep to the pouring rain. I had been experiencing distance from the Lord. I prayed that he would just speak to me, remind me that he is here with me in these incredibly lonely nights. Then I heard the still small whisper. "I am your house. I am the refuge from the storm. I am your safe place. I am your comfort." In your own home there is no need to entertain. It is where you are really yourself and you are accepted, and most of the time loved because you are just that. You can let your hair down, you can relax. The veil was not torn for us to come in and preform, but to come in. And that presence is what changes us.

Also note, he said this house protects you from the storms. There are storms. Colombia is just beginning it's rainy season. It lasts for several months. Last year thousands of people lost their homes due to faulty foundations and structure. I'm very reminded of the blurb from the Bible that says "Anyone who hears and obeys is like the man who built his house on a rock." And as for me and my house, I serve the Lord. My foundation is sure. My structure is sure. And here comes the storms that seem to last forever. It is now a choice to walk out from under this house and into the storm. The storm that leaves you cold and miserable. The better option, however, is that we can stay safely inside, and if you are anything like me, we can embrace the rain. How? Not by pretending it is not there, because it may be deafening, causing you to be unable to communicate. It's definitely there. But instead, hiding yourself in the safety of his presence, in the safety of his communion, in the comfort of his sacrifice, listening and obeying. There is nothing more relaxing than falling asleep to rain. If I was outside my home trying to fall asleep in the rain, I would probably want to curse God and die as quoted by Job's wife. It is slightly dramatic, but I don't want that. I want my home. I want a roof and walls and a sturdy foundation.

The Lord is alive. And he speaks. Let's listen and obey and then enjoy his refuge instead of taking our umbrella of self satisfaction, or religion, or impatience out into the cruel storm that leaves us with our umbrella broken and soggy clothes.

Embrace the rain...inside your house. :)