Today, my Bible reading took me to Psalm 107. Reading the first verse of this chapter kind of puts you off guard for what is to follow... no, that's not right -- it is more truly a reminder that in spite of the circumstances we should give thanks because God is good.
Yet, what could possibly be good about drought? What could be good about the lack of food and water, the loss of already perilously scarce jobs, more worries in an already care-worn nation? Man is a carnal creature: while the path is smooth and his wants cared for he feels himself to be self-reliant, but when the troubles come suddenly he recalls the spiritual aspect of his nature. Nothing opens a man's eyes to his own insignificance and weakness as much as a natural disaster, something completely out of his control. Man finally understands that he can do nothing in and of himself and calls on God for His aid. The primary benefit of a drought is the wake-up call that it provides to men's spirits.
Now, I know that it is a common thing for "Christians" to shake their fingers and look down their noses at people who seek God because of adversities. I have been as guilty of it as anyone else. Unwittingly we play the roll of the "good son" in the story of the Prodigal Son, which is not as exemplary of a part as we would like to think. The "good son" in this parable is not happy with his father for his brother's return but instead demonstrates pride, jealuosy and bitterness -- which, by the way, are not on any list of the fruits of the spirit that I know of. If this drought has no other result except that one person is saved, then Luke 15:7 says that there will be "joy in heaven," and it will have fulfilled the highest purpose in Heaven. Instead of being all high and mighty and holier-than-thou, we should use this God-given opportunity to help with the needs of others both spiritually and physically. Jesus did not look down on those that turned to Him because of the problems in their lives. He even said, "They that are whole have no need of the physician but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:32 Remember the passage of the women caught in the act of adultery? John 8:1-10 Who are we to look down on someone when God does not do so? We are only sinners, the same as they -- our only difference is that God's grace has already saved us!
So, thank you God for this drought. We would appreciate some rain, but do whatever You think is best. If this new depression that began in 2008 plus this drought is what it will take to bring North America back to You, then so be it.
"Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;
A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.
And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;
And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.
He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.
He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.
Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.
The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.
Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD."
~~ Psalm 107:31-43 ~~
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