The Sound of Rain

 April 23, 2026

Joel 2:23–24

Be glad, people of Zion,
    rejoice in the Lord your God,
for he has given you the autumn rains
    because he is faithful.
He sends you abundant showers,
    both autumn and spring rains, as before.
24 The threshing floors will be filled with grain;
    the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.

There’s a particular sound of rain, maybe not as beautiful to the ear as the Birdsong, we talked about yesterday, especially if it leads to costly flooding. Of course, the sound of rain is wonderful to hear after a long drought. Such rain is welcomed isn't it? The rain starts with a quiet pitter patter, soft taps on our windows and the ground, and then, as we have experienced in our area lately, the rain comes down with a heavy steady rhythm, this moisture sinks into the ground. Spring rain awakens the seeds in the darkness of the earth below, and prepares the soil for life to return.

I see this as the way that God’s renewal works in our hearts and souls. Sometimes we live through seasons that feel dry and drought like, where prayers seem to go unanswered, joy feels distant, waiting for hope to be fulfilled is exhausting. Moments like these makes growth seem impossible.

Today our Scripture assures us that God remembers us and sends the rains of his Spirit to restore and to bring life where there has seemed to be none.

Joel’s promise goes beyond God's faithful provision and promise of restoration: Hear the words again, “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten.” In other words, Nothing is wasted. Haven't you found that times when you felt empty, times that seemed lost and gone forever, opportunities that you felt had slipped away, and God takes them and redeems them and transforms them into something new and fruitful, and beautiful.

Let's Pray

Lord, help me see the small signs of Your work and trust in Your timing. Let Your Spirit pour down like rain, bringing new growth and fresh beginnings. Amen.