(picture by a fantastic photographer – Cathy Anderson)
Recently, my family was driving to visit relatives. As we drove we saw the most devastatingly beautiful views of one of the fires that is burning in NC. I was brainstorming song ideas for the next song that was due for Ten Thousand Fathers (the worship school I attend) (https://worship.school) and also contemplating the aftermath of the election. As I looked at the smoke filling the sky, the Holy Spirit showed me the parallel between these fires that are burning and our current culture. Most of NC is in a drought, and therefore the fires can be started with the smallest spark. Once they start they are hard to stop, and they can devastate the homes of both animals and people.
Our culture is currently characterized by unrest – a perfect storm fed by social media, the most controversial election in my lifetime, and many social justice issues. Those of us that claim to be christians are usually either spewing judgmental words or are silent. It is hard to find individuals acting like Christ in the midst of the cultural fires that are burning. It hit me that these fires begin so quickly for us because our souls are dried out. It only takes a spark to light us on fire…and that fire is devastating to our homes and our communities.
My prayer in this song is that God would not only send literal rain, but rain for the soul…a spiritual awakening. Those of us that are Christ followers MUST make sure we are being watered by the Father each day…so that when the sparks come (and they always do), we will not be quick to burn with anger. Instead we will be filled with living water that we can then offer to the one that threw the spark.
“If the skies are shut up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you, and if they pray toward this Temple and acknowledge your name and turn from their sins because you have punished them, 27then hear from heaven and forgive the sins of your servants, your people Israel. Teach them to follow the right path, and send rain on your land that you have given to your people as their special possession.” 2 Chronicles 6:26-27
Lyrics:
Link to the song:
Rhythms of Grace 