rain.

i love rain. there is something about it that makes me feel . . . content, i guess.

maybe because it reminds me of how rain is another word to describe trials. it's cool if you think about it. rain nourishes the ground. and it promises that the sun will shine through the clouds soon. it is the same with trials. whether we realize it at the time or not, trials nourish us. God sends them our way to test and strengthen our faith and trust in Him. but He doesn't leave us in those trials. the hope of rescue, joy, peace, and safety are promised after the rain.

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: 'fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.' Isaiah 43:1-3a

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of you faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace all-sufficient shall be thy supply;

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design

Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

i wasn't planning on going any further than this, but it is interesting to note what the word dross means here. waste or impure matter; worthless or dangerous material that should be removed. rain also washes away the dirt and dust. trials purge the impurities from our lives. things that shouldn't be there. God teaches us things through trials that we can't learn any other way.