Moderate Drought Condition

Photo Credit: Kim Clayton Lance

I’ve been thinking about the picture of rain loosening soil so that weeds can easily be pulled out of the ground. About the rain of God’s Word softening the soil of my heart so that the weeds of sin can be removed. Weeds that undermine my communion with God. Weeds of me-focus and my love of independence. Spiritual drought added in.

My town has recently experienced a moderate drought condition. This can also be the condition of my heart – moderate drought. Not sure what constitutes the moderate classification weather-wise, but I know it hasn’t rained significantly since the tail end of Hurricane Dorian. Dry leaves have been falling to dry ground on dry days. As far as the condition of my heart, there are likewise seasons of dryness, fruitlessness, and yes, fire hazard. I know God hasn’t left me. But, somehow I have wandered far off.

How can my heart be loosened from its moderate drought condition?

With His thoughts. Colossians 1:19-23 “For God was pleased to have all fullness dwell in Him (Jesus), and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation – if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.”

With His thoughts. Psalm 89:14-15 “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.”

When my thoughts enter. The longest weeds of my soul don’t often like the light. This is when my plans seem best, my solutions the only ways to get anything done. Weeds of rebellion spread out. They are now the widest roots of all – I want control. My way is the way. Enter more thoughts. My heart. Full of self-preservation and dreams of achievement. The deepest weeds. My cynicism. People are so hopeless. The deceit they’ve perpetuated. The comfort they’ve stolen. The inconveniences. The drought of my heart.

Admittedly, I don’t do yard work (I’ve said this before), so the weed analogy might seem ridiculous coming from me. I barely notice anything green except when it is missing. I do appreciate colorful flowers, but can never name them. I do love fall, but it is all about the colors and temperatures…

Yet, I still appreciate the analogy of the rain of God’s Word. Jesus is the One Who will release my heart from the choking weed of my resistance to His Lordship. By the rain of His Word, the drought is removed. The washing occurs. Titus 3:5 “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Weeding begins.

Again, His thoughts. Psalm 16:6-8 (NASB) “The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me. I will bless the Lord who has counseled me; indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Green pastures.

Guess what? It’s raining outside in my town now.