Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. – Romans 12:12
It was in the early afternoon of April 2019, when I was sitting on my back 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 that we followed. I noticed it was a new live worship video by Michael W. Smith titled, “Let It Rain”. Taken back by its title, and due to the current situation at the time, 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 received some very difficult news that day, I began to worship. It was Good Friday, leading into the most holy of all weekends, and my heart was 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 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. I diligently started to rejoice in the Lord, as I continued to pray.
Finding Your Hope 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 day, His mercies are always new, and at any time of the year.
We are given this new “breath of life” in every spoken word that we speak over ourselves, and over one another. 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, 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, and it would be detrimental to my soul to slow down now, just because life got a little harder.
Be the Encouragement the World Needs
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 reach out to someone; show them how much you care. Give them an encouraging word, and make time to let them know you love them. 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 to be willing to help pick the other up. 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.
To learn more about the ministry of Michael W. Smith, go to michaelwsmith.com, and be sure to watch the full video of this live worship event here.
