I visited my family home in the Texas Hill Country over the weekend because I had a book signing in town for my novel which is based there. The property overlooks a spring fed river. Usually the river is deep green with glistening ripples. But, there had been a welcoming deluge of rain to the drought stricken area. Thus, so much rain in so short of time had caused the river to rise. As I drove the winding road that followed its banks, I saw it was brown, not green. That much water stirs the silt at the bottom. In a few days it will all settle back down the the river will become green and inviting again – perfect way to cool off on a Texas summer day when morning temperatures are already to soar into the 90’s.
Have you ever been in a spiritual drought, then suddenly, God’s blessings pour down on you? It can be overwhelming. Two things happen. First, like the river, you cannot contain them. The blessings overflow into your attitudes, and others around you. When the river rises, it takes that rich silt which has been sitting on the bottom and blankets the shore with it, giving the grass well-needed nutrients. So can your blessing feed other’s faith.
Secondly, some things in your life may be stirred up a bit. Feelings of humbleness and unworthiness can arise. God may be showing you how much you can handle, or teaching you a lesson. He may also be cleansing you of the doubting thoughts which prevailed during your spiritual drought. Plus, with the blessings usually comes change- something us humans are never good at accepting. That can muddy your life a bit.
But, here is the thing. Like the Texas Hill Country spring-fed rivers, the Holy Spirit has been quietly feeding you all along under the surface- whether it is in drought, or in flood, winter or summer. Jesus promised a Comforter to be with us constantly until He returns at the end of the ages. Deep down, His Spirit is always there, softly flowing.
