Doesn't rain make you want to hunker down indoors?
As the rain poured outside my window today, I already looked forward to my afternoon Sunday nap. Something about dark, stormy days just makes me want to retreat to my safe, warm bed. Why do so many love songs make mention of dancing in the rain?
But then I remembered a time when, during my regular walk through the park, a random cloudburst sent rain pouring down out of nowhere. My walk quickly turned into a run so I could get home and dry off as soon as possible. As I ran, I passed a couple of teenagers who, instead of running for dry shelter, danced playfully in the rain. I kept running, but a smile spread infectiously across my face. I wished in that moment that I could be like them again.
When it Rains, it Pours
Rain is inevitable in nature and in life. A random cloudburst of rain might put a damper on the plans you made for yourself. And sometimes, it seems like when it rains, it pours. One small problem can quickly reveal a much bigger underlying issue, and it can feel like your whole world is flooding.
In times of trouble, we find it much easier to shelter ourselves and try to push through the rain, don't we? We choose to complain about our situation instead of recognizing the ways we should be grateful. We choose to grumble about our wet socks and run, rather than dancing in the rain.
Dancing in the Rain
James 1:2-3 encourages this: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." It may feel counter-intuitive to rejoice when we lose our job, suffer a loss, or go through a rough patch in our marriage. And of course, there is room for grief, remorse, and confusion when we face trials. But even through a downpouring of difficulties, we can confidently dance for joy because our faith is growing and the Lord is faithful to provide.
The rain will fall, and we will struggle through it; but joy is ours through the promise of hope that we have in the Lord.
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