.

We were all put on water restrictions, something like three glasses of water a day, well maybe not that bad. But for sure we could not water our yards as much as we liked and many people’s yards simply burned up from the heat and lack of rain. Of course those who make there living from the land have been in great need of the rain as well. It has been bad, let me tell you.

As we moved into the new year we all were in high hopes that the drought would end. Though we love our sunshine here in Texas we were ready to put up with some rainy days so we could water our yards, take care of our gardens, grow our crops, fill up the pools and head for the lake. Let’s say this; our prayers have been answered.

Over the first five months of the year we have not only been blessed with plenty of rain, we have also had tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, hail, lightening everywhere, high winds and flash floods. It seems like every day there is a chance of rain and most days that chance comes through with at least a little rain.

As the days have gone by we have watched our lakes fill to capacity and finally just this past week after a weekend of large amounts of rain we heard the weather man say the magic words we have all been waiting for: the drought is officially over!

Perhaps as you read this you are in a personal drought of your own. Not one tied to weather but one tied to your emotions and your spiritual life. You have suffered through one heartache after another and you can’t help but ask yourself the question, when will it all end.

There is a dry feeling when it comes to your relationship with God. Your prayers seem to be hitting the wall. As much as you try it just seems as though God is either not there or not listening. Either way you are in a spiritual drought and like any drought you simply thirst for the slightest hint of rain.

Take if from someone who has lived through both kinds of droughts; the kind the weather man knows about and the kind that your spiritual life goes through you can be sure of one thing. The drought will one day end!

A meteorologist I am not but I knew this, one day it was going to rain and when it did it was not going to stop for a while. That is how it works in Texas and that my friends is how it works with God.

The days seem long, the desperate moments come, the frustration builds and then out of nowhere just when you least expect it, a cloud opens up and down pours the blessings of God. Truly there is nothing like the relief, of the refreshment of the soul or like feeling the cool spirit of God after a long time in a dry place.

I have lived in Texas for forty five years now and this much I know; droughts will come. You expect them, you live through them and you have no other choice than to just wait on the rain.

This is the same with our spiritual life, when the dry moments come, and rest assured even for the most faithful they will come, you simply have no choice than to wait for the drought to end. Have faith in this; if you stay with it, the drought will end.

Here are some tips for surviving a dry spell:

1. Don’t start any unnecessary fires, its hot enough already. Stay on course with God; don’t run too far from Him. Don’t fall for the temptation of an oasis of sin. It looks good for a moment but when you arrive you will find it never satisfies, it only leaves us thirstier than before. Besides wild fires destroy and though we can recover it takes a lot longer than waiting on the rain.
2. Keep asking, keep seeking, and give thanks for even the smallest of blessings. Like making it through each day. God is still there though it may seem as though he is not.

When life is hot and dry there is only one place to find refuge that is in the shade of a loving God.

Scripture: Psalms 121:1-5, “I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help come from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you-the Lord is your shade at your right hand.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to stay strong during the silent days, help us to find peace in your loving arms. We thank you that you love us and care for us. We ask all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.