Written a few years back, after a lengthy drought. Still applicable.
In these radical weather patterns we are having lately, it seems all the talk is about global warming over and above any other possible alternative “culprits.” In the east temperatures well below zero are the highs. This wonderful weather in the west, the brilliant bright sunny skies in the middle of winter reveal mountainsides with late summer pallor due to the absence of water. We have trees budding, bushes blooming and grass growing – all in the middle of winter. Oh sure, it feels good but we need cold blustery and wet days. We need water. Though the temperature and weather feels good, is not a long-term blessing.
Our prayers reflect this need – we pray for water to flow from the skies, “Lord, please, send rain.” We pray for moisture to water crops, water livestock, and to replenish our water table, and the snow pack. And even the recent rains are said to have little effect on the drought.
Some place the blame on over consumption, or the DWP, or some even naively upon non-existent entities such as “Mother Nature.” But could it be that these are just normal rhythmic weather patterns that reoccur every 100-150 years or so? Or could it even be that they are not even attributable to weather patterns or over consumption at all? Here is the deal. Could it be that the radical dryness in the west or the absurd coldness experienced in the east is due to something, say, like oh, uh judgment of God stuff?
Just consider that for a moment, if the extreme weather is a result of the judgment of the Almighty then how can we pray for rain without first dealing with that which precipitated the tough weather. In other words, we have to ask, “what caused the judgment?” We can pray for the weather to change all we want to, but if the main source of the problem has not been eradicated, then we pray in vain, and against the will of God.
Sometimes nature is just contrary to us, that is part of the curse in the Garden, but other times God gets more “directly” involved. Psalm 107:33-34 says, “He changes rivers into a wilderness, And springs of water into a thirsty ground; A fruitful land into a salt waste, Because of the wickedness of those who dwell in it.” God actually exercises His sovereign right to withhold blessing at His discretion if people are wicked.
In the Old Testament, it was usually sin or disobedience which led to God withholding His favor, or sending harshness. In one instance in the Old Testament God withheld rain from Israel due to their idolatry for 3.5 years (1 Kings 17). Again, Haggai 1:11 says, “I called for a drought on the land, on the mountains, on the grain, on the new wine, on the oil, on what the ground produces, on men, on cattle, and on all the labor of your hands.”
Yet we pray in vain for rain on plains! The greater prayer would be that people come under the sovereign Lordship of God. Make no mistakes about it – God is still on the throne and He reigns. His rules and standards of purity apply. His conditions of blessing apply as well.
Amos 8:11 declares, “Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord GOD, “When I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, But rather for hearing the words of the LORD.” I pray for the day when this country, or at least the remnant will yearn once again for the Word of the Lord to sustain them. This country is parched. We are thirsty and do not acknowledge it.
Is God truly responsible for this weather adversity? I can’t say for sure. Over consumption, global warming, and fairy tales aside, throw in a few tornadoes, tidal waves, tsunamis and hurricanes, we still have a choice to abide in the clear Word of God or not, to place ourselves willingly under the reign of the Sovereign God, or to flippantly reject Him to His face and receive judgment in due course; I would suggest that we have chosen the latter route.
Now praying for deliverance from adverse weather patterns is fine. But would it not be better to be praying that this nation bows the knee to the sovereign reign of God knowing He will reciprocate as He sees fit?
In the midst of the floods, God reigns. In the midst of the drought, remember the God who reigns.
Let us welcome the sovereign reign of God.
Let it Reign!
