Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. – Romans 12:12
It was early afternoon and I was sitting on the porch, taking a moment to reflect. It was beginning to rain, and those who know me, know that I love a good rain. I find it cleansing and refreshing, even therapeutic.
Just minutes later, I received a notification from one of our One Jam Nation artists who we follow. I noticed that it was a new live worship video by Michael W. Smith titled, Let It Rain. Taken back by its title, and due to my current situation, I was inclined to listen and proceeded to press play.
The release of this video could not have come at a more perfect time. Just seconds into the song, though I had been quite distraught over some news I had received previously that day, I began to worship.
It was Good Friday, leading into the most Holy of all weekends, and my heart had been very heavy. Outside it was raining, and as I began to weep, I was overtaken by the Lord’s grace and mercy.
I was swept away by an almost cathartic release of emotions, as I began to feel this weight of heaviness being released from me. I mourned for the sacrifice that I knew had been carried out that day, and so many years ago.
I began to reflect on a passage in Romans, reminding us to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and to continue steadfast in prayer (Romans 12:12). I diligently started to rejoice in the Lord, as I also continued to pray, sensing this song was becoming this “Good Friday” prayer.
A Hope First Found In Him
Living in a fallen world, life can feel more than just overwhelming at times. If we’re not leaning into what the Word of God has to say, we can quickly get caught up in the many world-challenges.
This particular day, I knew I needed this moment of reflection. It was during this time-out with the Lord that I was able to put on a new perspective.
Whether it’s a new lease on life you’re seeking, or a new-found hope to begin each new day, His mercies are always new. We are being given this new “breath of life” in each spoken word that we speak over ourselves, and one another, and in the time that we take to pray.
Be the encouragement someone else needs today. Carry this torch of hope, and let it shine so brightly that it sets ablaze everywhere you go, and no matter where you may be, bringing forth new growth for the whole world to see.
Find your song in Him, and not in this world. Share your testimony, and allow the heavens to open up in a way that you never thought possible.
I’ve come a long way in my walk with the Lord, it would be detrimental to my soul to slow down now, just because life got a little harder.
We Are Stronger Together
I believe that we must all do what we can to, once and for all, come together in this world. Pick up the phone and call someone. Give them an encouraging word. Take the time to let them know you love them, and in knowing how much you care.
Life’s too short to allow the offenses to stand in the way. Put on this new perspective of hope, and don’t waste another day.
In a fallen world, it does take each one of us being willing to help pick the other up, when they’re feeling down. We can choose to be part of the solution, and not part of the problem, in the words that we choose to share.
And if life ever begins to feel like it’s pouring down rain upon us, again, let it pour out a cleansing healing, instead.🙌
Read more on the GOD TV blog, and watch GOD TV here.
To learn more about the ministry of Michael W. Smith, go to www.michaelwsmith.com, and be sure to watch the full video of this live worship event, here.
