The Weekly Word - A Devotion for the Week of November 2
The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. (Isaiah 55:10-11)
Parts of the Midwest are experiencing drought right now, much of it severe. Farm and ranchlands have dried to dust, and many of us are noticing even our own backyards are parched and withering from lack of water. The land desperately needs a good, soaking rain to replenish its moisture in order to sustain growth next spring.
Like the drought-ridden land, we, too, can experience dry, dull periods in our spiritual lives. Sometimes these spiritually dry periods are simply the result of the natural ebb and flow of faith. Other times, though, we realize that perhaps the reason we feel spiritually dry and distant from God is because we’ve neglected to spend time with Him in His Word. We’ve let the busyness of our lives push God to the margins.
Scripture sustains us in a way that everyday life cannot. Without God’s Word, we wither like drought-plagued plants. Like a tree that draws life-sustaining water from its roots up to its leaves and branches, our soul needs to draw upon the life-sustaining power of God’s Word to thrive.
If you’re feeling lost, exhausted, burdened, hopeless, directionless or spiritually dry, turn to God’s Word today. It will renew, replenish, strengthen and guide you. Just as the rain and snow seep into the soil, God’s Word will seep deep into the soil of your soul. You might not see the results right away, but trust that God’s Word in you will nurture and fortify you for the journey ahead.
Gracious God, forgive me for neglecting the gift You have so generously given me in Your Word. Today I turn back to You and am open to receive the guidance and wisdom You offer me in the pages of scripture. Amen.