May Showers Bring June Flowers?


Isn't it supposed to be "April showers bring May flowers" not "May showers bring June flowers?" Once again, the rains have come to central Ohio in mid-May. It seems like our months are turned around this spring. May has been cooler and rainier than normal, with sunny days few and far between. It has become difficult for Ohio farmers to get their crops planted, our son included. We also feel blessed because we know farmers north of us who have not been able to plant any fields, and we have all of our corn in the ground. But as always, the farmers will forge ahead making the best decisions they can, with the weather God gives them.

Our months may be turned around this year, but occasionally our lives feel like they have been turned upside down and inside out. This past week, I heard many stories of unexpected deaths on the news and in the community. They ranged from accidents to illnesses which progressed quickly. But death isn't the only discouragement that makes us feel as if we are standing in the rain with no umbrella, and no end to the storm in sight.

God often allows us to walk through difficult seasons, to strengthen us and to draw us closer to Him. So what has you questioning God's sovereignty today? Are you struggling with a recent diagnosis? A wayward child, or a child graduating with an uncertain future. Mental illness, or drug addiction in the family. The list could go on and on.

We all face days when we ask God—why. It is your attitude in those situations that is the difference between facing the storm alone, or moving forward one step at a time until the sun once again shines. In times of doubt we can question God and turn away from Him, but that gives us no shelter. A better approach is to hit our knees in prayer, and dig into the scriptures for nuggets of truth to hold onto. Verses like...

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

"When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation."

Proverbs 10:25

And one of my favorites, probably because I am a farm girl...

 

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,

and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,

and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,

and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
Habakkuk 3:17-18

 

Tragedy may surround you. Your finances may be a mess, or family issues may have you in turmoil. You may be suffering a great loss, or fearing an empty nest. But the scriptures tell you to be joyful! Joyful in times like these? Yes! Because God is guiding your steps. Allow His presence to fill the void in your life, and turn your rainy days into sunshine. Trust him with all your heart and allow Him to be your lasting foundation. No matter how troubled your heart is today, rejoice in the Lord. Why?—because He has you during the May showers and the June flowers are coming soon!

"This is the day the Lord has made.

We will rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:14

Location: Radnor, OH 43066, USA

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