When it rains, most people go inside to avoid getting wet. But I remember a summer day in Texas when people ran outside their offices and homes to stand in a downpour. Some shouted, others danced, and everyone was happy. After months of scorching temperatures and crippling drought, the sheer joy of a life-giving rain made getting soaked a pleasure.
Just as a physical drought teaches us that there is no substitute for rain, a time of spiritual dryness burns into us the truth that we cannot live without God's renewing Spirit. Hymnwriter Daniel W. Whittle expressed his longing for spiritual revival in these words: "Showers of blessing, showers of blessing we need; mercy drops round us are falling, but for the showers we plead."
During times of spiritual dryness, when we long for a sense of the presence and power of God, we echo the psalmist's prayer: "Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your mercy, Lord, and grant us Your salvation" (Psalm 85:6-7).
The spiritual refreshing we crave comes only from above. Christ alone can satisfy our spiritual thirst with the "living water" He promised to all who come to Him (John 4:14). —DCM — David C. McCasland
I reached for God's hand full of blessings,
Because I was needy and sad;
And, oh, what a shower He gave me
From all the rich treasure He had! —Simon
Only Christ the living water can quench our spiritual thirst.