Drought

 

A drought is declared in England. It hasn’t been so dry since 1976.

Scotland is not yet in drought, but the ground is dry as dust, the grass is parched and yellowing, the fields are stagnant and the cattle are being fed hay which should be kept until later in the year. There is little nutrition in the grass in the field which they are grazing, because there has been no rain.

I had an ice cream tub in the shower to collect some of the water, which I poured this morning onto a thirsty apple tree. The dry earth sucked in the moisture instantly.

A spiritual drought prevails in this world created so lovingly by the God who died for us. Even the church is dry and thirsty, thirsty for the gentle rain of the Spirit, thirsty for his presence to fall gently and steadily on us.

Jesus invites us to come to him, the water of life, promising that whoever drinks of him will never thirst again. Lord, may I drink deeply of you today. Pour out your Spirit on me, refreshing the parts that nothing else can reach, satisfying the thirst that is so, so deep.

Pour out your Spirit on your church universal today, your church which looks to you with increasing intensity and desperation. Lord, without you, we are just dry and desiccated, and can offer nothing to the world which is lost and parched. May the everlasting water flood us to the depths so that when we are squeezed, we overflow with the love and patience, the wisdom and kindness and grace of the Lord. Forgive us when we presume to run on empty, operating from a place of drought rather than resting in the refreshing rain of the Holy Spirit.

Renew us – renew me – this day, Lord Jesus. Renew your church, that you might bring blessing to all through us. In Jesus’ name.