Normally we don’t have any really hot weather in the Portland area until around the Fourth of July. But in early June in this year of 2021, well before our usual time of possible heat waves, we had a heat wave that smashed the previous record of 107 degrees and sent the mercury all the way up to 116 degrees. To top it off, this was a very strange year in regard to rainfall. The early heat wave was followed by an exceptionally dry summer. This was bad news for our lawns, shrubs, and trees.

Water is expensive in our area. I usually try to water the lawn just enough to make it a little greenish and keep the ground from becoming lumpy due to being too dry. But last summer watering a little bit did absolutely nothing for the grass. The grass was still like crunchy straw. It made me wonder if it would ever be green again. I hoped it hadn’t died.

When the fall rains finally came, they came and came and came. We were saturated by rain.  Thankfully,  that ugly, straw-like grass was soft and green in no time. I was so grateful to see it return to its lush green color.

Somehow the dry grass reminded me of life apart from God. The Holy Spirit is sometimes symbolized by water in the Bible. In John 7:38 we find these words of Jesus recorded: “He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, from within him will flow rivers of living water.” [WEB] Without the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are dry, like the yellow, crunchy grass and crusty ground. When we turn our hearts completely to God in obedience, prayer, and scrutiny of His Word, we will be saturated with God’s presence and become fully alive. We will become like the lush, green grass in moist ground.

When one generation is brought to life by God, I believe it can affect their children and grandchildren and give them a desire to experience God’s presence. My grandpa on my dad’s side was quite reserved. You could barely hear him sing at church. In his later years he lived in a little apartment in the upper story of our home. I could often hear him joyfully singing, seated at his little table with hymnbook open, and tapping his feet. It was evidence of a heart truly brought to life by God’s Spirit. He wasn’t singing for show. He was just singing in praise to his God. It still touches my heart every time I think of it.

The book of Isaiah in the Bible was addressing the children of Israel, but I believe the same principles apply to all who turn to God. Below are some passages from the book of Isaiah that we might do well to review as we begin a new year.

Isaiah quoting God directly:

“ ‘For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and streams on the dry ground. I will pour my Spirit on your descendants , and my blessing on your offspring: and they will spring up among the grass, as willows by the watercourses.’ ”  Isaiah 44:3-4 [WEB]

Isaiah speaking:

“Seek Yahweh [the Lord] while he may be found. Call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let him return to Yahweh [the Lord], and he will have mercy on him, [let him return] to our God, for he will freely pardon.”          Isaiah 55:6-7 [WEB]

Isaiah quoting God directly:

“ ‘For as the rain comes down and the snow from the sky, and doesn’t return there, but waters the earth, and makes it grow and bud, and gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so is my word that goes out of my mouth: it will not return to me void, but it will accomplish that which I send it to do.’ ”    Isaiah 55:10-11 [WEB]

Underneath these words is a music video that seems designed to illustrate what I’m trying to say. It lasts over eight minutes, so it gives opportunity to reflect on our need for refreshing by God’s Spirit and to express to God our desire to turn to Him fully, as Rita sings.

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