The Pain of the Rain

Sometimes I really like the rain. I have fond childhood memories of listening to the rain fall on the tin roof of my grandparent's Appalachian farm house. It was so soothing. I also like the smell of a fresh rain when I am sitting on a covered porch in the middle of a dry summer. I have a feeling of gratitude for the refreshment God is providing to the earth. But not all rain showers are pleasant. A cold, windy rain has a way of putting me in a bad mood because it chills me to the bone; not to mention what it does to my hair! Some rain storms are quite scary if they are full of lightening and even tornadoes. It's during those times that I take shelter from the storm in my basement (if you lived through a tornado, you know what I am talking about.)

Grieving the loss of a loved one can be like being caught in a cold, windy thunderstorm. Not only does it feel like it will never end, but it feels like you will never see sunshine again. It may even feel like you will never be warm and comfortable again. The only thing you can do is put on a raincoat and rain boots, open an umbrella or take shelter. If that is what you are experiencing, realize that God is an excellent shelter in the storm of life. His Word tells us:

For in the day of trouble, he will hide me in his shelter; in the secret place of his tent will He hide me; He will set me high upon a rock. (Psalm 27:5 Amplified Bible, emphasis mine)

Being in the shelter of God doesn't mean that the storm will magically go away. Rather, it means that God will provide refuge until the storm passes. The storm accentuates your need for a Savior. Having a sanctuary will instill gratitude for a merciful and loving Father. In fact, the experience of the storm will strengthen your faith and, as you rely on Him, deepen your belief in God. Consider the words of a popular song performed by MercyMe:

"Bring the Rain"

...Maybe since my life was changed long before these rainy days it never really crossed my mind to turn my back on you Oh Lord, My only shelter from the storm. But instead, I draw closer through these times.

I am yours regardless of the clouds that may loom above because you are much greater than my pain. You who made a way for me suffering your destiny. So tell me what's a little rain? So I pray:

Bring me joy. Bring me peace. Bring the chance to be free. Bring me anything that brings You glory. And I know there'll be days when this life brings me pain. But, if that's what it takes to praise you, Jesus, bring the rain.

Why would anyone run away from a shelter when it is raining? I suppose one would run away if they didn't recognize the shelter as a place of safety. Please know that God is the umbrella that is deflecting the rain from your head and keeping you from drowning. How easy it is to follow Jesus when the sun is shining. But it's in the storm that our faith is truly tested. In fact, without the storm our faith would never grow. Just remember that Jesus is greater and more powerful than any pain that comes with the rain. This is the source of hope. Cling to the fact that you have a shelter that is strong and secure. As you are on journey of grief, picture yourself high on the rock under an umbrella called Jesus and realize that you belong to Him regardless of your circumstances. You have praised the Lord for the sunshine, now praise Him for the rain. Doing so will bring a peace that is beyond understanding.

Journaling Ideas

1. Read Psalm 31:1-2. Describe how God can help you during this current storm of your life.

2. How is God described in the previous verses?

3. How has God answered your prayers before?

4. What is your greatest fear?

5. What evidence have you seen of God in your life?

Your Grieving Toolbox

Today's tool for the Grieving Toolbox is writing a letter to God. This letter will tell God that you have decided to praise Him and worship Him despite the rain. It will be a vow to love Him because He is God and not because of the things He does for you. In the letter include a request for strength to carry out this vow. As you know, the human flesh is selfish and the enemy will try to convince you to reject your Heavenly Father. Ask the Everlasting King to increase your faith and give you courage. He is waiting to hear from you.

Dear child of God, I pray that you will rest in the knowledge that the Lord of all creation has a plan for you and He will never bring harm to you. May you find comfort in the fact that you have a hope and a future with a Heavenly Father who has every thing under control. (Based on Jeremiah 29:11)