Is There a Drought in Your Life?

This has been an unusual year. We have had dry times, times of flooding and, yes, windy times. Fires have raged out west, and terrible storms have ravaged the East Coast. The Shenandoah Valley was so dry this summer that many farmers lost most of their crops. Right now in our area it’s terribly dry, and we are looking forward to a good soaking rain.

The Israelites also found themselves in a terrible dilemma. Exodus 17:1 tells us “There was no water for the people to drink.” The children were suffering, and everyone was terrified. Verse 2 says the people “quarreled with Moses,” demanding water. The Israelites were developing a reputation for complaining. Exodus 15:22-24 describes how the people grumbled because the water was too bitter to drink.

In Exodus 16:2-3, the people complained about the lack of food. Now in Exodus 17:2, they were complaining to Moses about the lack of drinking water. Moses didn’t know what to do, and in his desperation, he called out to God. Verse 5 says, “Take the staff with you with which you struck the Nile.” This staff that parted the Nile served as a visible reminder of how God had taken care of His people in the past. This time, Moses struck the rock, and water gushed out. When the people of Israel grumbled, they needed to remember God’s history of faithfulness. Water gushed out of the rock, and the Israelites had plenty of water for themselves and their cattle.

If you are experiencing a drought in your life, know that God is with you. Whatever your need, may you find hope and refreshment in God’s abundant waters.

Prayer – The hymn says, “I need thee every hour.” If you are in a drought, know that God hears your prayers. God will bring us the water that we need and will provide us with the peace that passes all understanding. God will bring you the water that you need. Amen.

Exodus 17:6 – “Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.”

By the Rev. Tommy Herndon  

Images: Bernd Dittrich, Marc Zimmer & Jacqueline O. Gara, courtesy of Unsplash