Listening To the Rain

Last night I lay awake for what seemed like hours. In reality, it was only two, very long hours. I read as usual. Reading myself to sleep has become quite the habit of late. It's relaxing. It's only me, and no interruptions. Usually it's a chapter or two and I'm sleepy. But last night it was two, three, four... I was growing somewhat agitated with myself. I knew I needed sleep, desperately. So, two hours in and I put the Kindle away and began to pray, "Lord, please help me sleep tonight..." ​

​Lately, sleep has eluded me quite often. Anxiety, which has never been even the slightest part of my life, has crept in with a vengeance, infiltrating my soul. I hate to admit it, but sadly I've allowed it. Don't get me wrong, I know where my faith rest, I have no doubts. I know Who formed the stars, Who named them, Who cares for the sparrows, Who calls me redeemed. 

Sometimes though, I have what seems like temporary spiritual amnesia. It can be debilitating. My mind wanders to all the possible, but unlikely, scenarios that life could throw my way. Before I know it, my heart is racing and my hands tremble as if I've had one too many cups of coffee. ​

So I pray, and I meditate. My go to scripture passage of late is in Philippians.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9​

I allow my mind to think only on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. I practice these things, because my soul longs for the peace of God.  ​

​God is true. In Revelation 19:11 He is the Faithful and True One. He is honorable. His intentions for me are honorable. He wants only the best for His children. He is just, and pure, lovely and commendable. I know all these things. I meditate on them. I pray and I'm about to fall asleep and then it happens. I hear the rain.

​God knows how much I love falling asleep to the sound of rain drops! There's no other sound I'd rather fall asleep to, except maybe the ocean waves. But this night He's allowed me to read and not fall asleep. He's allowed me to meditate on scripture and pray, and then He's spoken through the sound of rain.

​ "I love you child. I cherish you. I've preserved your life. I've kept you and I will continue to keep you. You are loved. You are Mine. You are held in the palm of My hand and no one can take you. Nothing can happen to you that I do not ordain."

God knew the rain was coming. He knew I needed to hear it. Oh, God, how do I ever doubt you? You kept me awake to hear the rain. You spoke through the rain to remind me of all these things.

​I listen to the rain with a renewed spirit, and fall asleep. ​​

How do you refocus your spiritual compass? Do you have a special passage of Scripture that you meditate on? Let us know and be an encourager!