Drenching rains arrived during the night, expected to linger and recur throughout the day. Along with high winds, too! I recently planted a myriad of flowers and cringe at the battering these young seedlings will endure. Flattened is how they appear in the pause. How much more can they take? Will they blow away in the tornado-spurning winds or have their roots secured them firmly? Ah, but there is a promise from God’s Word; His rain will cause my gardens to be fertile and fruitful. No worries. When the sun dawns tomorrow, the fledgling plants will stand tall and bring forth flowers in the warming sun before long. I can count on it.

God gives an image of something we know and can count on, then tells us His Word is just like the rain! The Living Word, Jesus, came down from heaven, making everything fertile and fruitful; He brought life itself to us! Jesus gave us many Words of life. His followers added to them, inspired by the Spirit. His Words rain upon our spirits; they are stronger than our earthly storms. They hold promises. We may appear flattened by our circumstances. We may fear being blown away, but our roots will secure us. His Word nourishes and restores us; It does not return void—It does His will!

“Yes, in joy you shall depart, in peace you will be brought back.” (Isaiah 55:12) 

The rainstorms will end. The flowers will bloom. A quiet joy permeates the air and enters your spirit. You will be led forth in joy and return in peace. That’s His promise. You can count on it.