It goes without saying that I need to water my flower garden on a regular basis. Even as a fledgling gardener, I am aware of this. I try to water in the evenings, sometimes with Miracle Gro, sometimes without – but, regularly they get a long slow drink of water.
Often my dahlias look droopy and dehydrated in the mid afternoon June heat. The heat weighs them down and I worry that they won’t make it. In a strange way, these flowers have become my companions, my friends. I know their leaves, I’ve watched how some perk up “just so” when they are watered. I know where their buds are and where I’ve cut their first blooms. When I see them looking so forlorn, its almost heartbreaking.
Would you believe me if I told you I have a lot in common with these flowers? At times my heart is parched, even scorched in the heat. I’m dehydrated, so much that my heart feels blistered and cracked. Life has a way of delivering complications that hang me out to dry while all moisture evaporates from my very insides.
But its at times like this when there is only one solution. Showers from heaven – a rain that can come only from the Holy Spirit. This is the way to survive the heat. His water brings rejuvenation and new life. It seems He watches, as my heart’s gardener. He comes with a deep drink of water for my heart at just the right time. He knows the places in my heart where fruit is blossoming, how my soul is revived by his love and affection. I am cared for by this Master gardener, drenched in His life giving flow.
When I think of it like this, it binds my heart to His in a whole new way. He is not just a Majestic, omniscient, omnipresent God – He cares for me, just as I gently care for my flowers. Although, he does a much better job than I do. I can confidently say, He is my friend. And He promises a drink when I need it!
There’s an old hymn that reminds me of His promise for refreshment!
Showers of Blessing
There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.
There shall be showers of blessing,
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.
There shall be showers of blessing;
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing,
Come, and now honor Thy Word.
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