When Will It Ever Stop?

John Osborne

We live in a climate where the rain is no stranger.  The Pacific Northwest is known for its rain.  The fact that it has rained nearly every day since January 1st really should not be a surprise.  However, just north of us, the rain came in such volume and at such a pace that there has been wide spread flooding.  I feel for those people that have been affected.  It is never fun to fight flood waters.  I can relate from a personal experience that my family had a few years ago.

Yet in life, when challenging circumstances and situations come at as like a flood, many of us have used the phrase, “When it rains it pours.”  We make that statement in reference to the fact that at times we face one thing after another and it doesn’t just appear to drizzle on our lives, but there is a downpour that takes place.  We may even ask, “When will it ever stop?” 

 I have a friend that is going through such a set of circumstances right now.  His family has been faced with a number of things all at once.  It is a trying time, no doubt about it.  All of us can probably relate.  One might ask, how do we face it?  What should be our attitude?  A couple of things come to mind.

 1 - I have found it beneficial that when it is raining on the outside, to let God’s Word reign over and refresh my spirit on the inside.

 Here are a few verses that I have found helpful.

 Ps 34:8
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

 Ps. 34:18-19
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
    and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

19 The righteous person may have many troubles,
    but the Lord delivers him from them all;

I am encouraged by the promise “Blessed is the one who takes refuge in him (God).”  There is no better place to take refuge than in God alone.  I am also encouraged by the fact that God is fully aware of when I am hurting and that He is close, even when my heart is broken.

2 – I remind myself that there will be a day when the sun will shine.

 It will not rain forever!  The forecast may appear despairing, but the sun still exists behind the clouds.  There are difficult seasons in life, but the sun will shine!

So no matter what you are going through may you find comfort in God!