The rain falls softly outside my window this morning, bringing refreshment to the earth. My thoughts turn to California, where wildfires rage and record-breaking heat scorches. I pray for the gift of rain to be sent to help battle the beast of fire that ravages those who live there.
As I meditate on this gift, the phrase "water of life " settles in my mind...the living water or Holy Spirit, in Christianity.
The Holy Spirit fills to overflowing, refreshes, restores and heals the broken places in a person's heart. Like water, it is a sustainer of life and health. When we are feeling dry and empty, as if we are wandering in a spiritual desert, perhaps giving in to the despair of disturbing world or personal situations, we can pray for the refreshment of Spirit and be restored to hope.
This is a difficult time in our country and in the world. The past few months have brought us a global pandemic, a growing awareness of police brutality and racial injustice, political divisions that threaten to tear us apart as a nation, and natural disasters that further devastate communities.
It can seem overwhelming to think about these things, even though they are almost impossible to ignore, given our daily saturation in news and social media. I am often saddened and frustrated by all of it. But I keep praying and do not give up hope. Love and hope are what have always conquered hatred and despair.
The soothing comfort and refreshing "rain" of the Spirit can heal and restore us, if only we believe.
Thanks Patti:
ReplyDeleteLove and hope have always conquered hatred and despair. How very true. Thanks for these life-giving words this morning.
Blessings
Lance
Thanks for your article. It goes along with what Governor Crumo has been saying about each state. Both police and rioters have to sit down together. People of color have to state to the police what they want from their community and visa vesa. The governor has given them one year to work together instead of all this violence. Sometimes I don't think the rioters really know why they are doing all this volience to our country. p
DeleteYou're so right Deb! Coming together in a spirit of unity and cooperation to make the necessary reforms is the key to begin the process of healing the racial inequities. Violence is not the answer. I've been watching the local news every night to see what's happening on the ground during the protests and it is encouraging that things are mostly peaceful. The rioters have been reported to be from out of state, some as far away as Alaska. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
DeleteMore power to love and hope!
DeleteThanks, Patti. Keep hope alive!
ReplyDeleteBarb