Rains in Their Season

“If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. Your threshing shall last to the time of the grape harvest, and the grape harvest shall last to the time for sowing. And you shall eat your bread to the full and dwell in your land securely. I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid. And I will remove harmful beasts from the land, and the sword shall not go through your land. You shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall chase ten thousand, and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. I will turn to you and make you fruitful and multiply you and will confirm my covenant with you. You shall eat old store long kept, and you shall clear out the old to make way for the new.  I will make my dwelling among you, and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.” Leviticus 26:3-12

The Almighty God set seasons in place to prepare for man, the crown jewel of His creation. His promises to His people intertwined the rhythm of blessings He’d designed with their receptivity to His statutes. All He ordained was for their good according to His order. (Genesis 1:14; Jeremiah 29:11)

Walking in truth we learn the ways of God, and to see His gracious and supernatural provision through every season. We learn to accept rains of confusion, pain, even despair as intending and enabling fruit and fruitfulness. Knowing His steadfastness and unchanging character, we learn constancy and unwavering faith through waiting and change we cannot control. Knowing the love behind His plans and the necessity of variation, we learn to trust that darkness and rest give way to light and energy, that fallowness and sowing are necessary for reaping and harvest.

There are consequences of loss and upended seasons when we fail to walk with the Lord, when we neglect His truth or rebel against His ways. The God of bounty will not bless the selfish idolater. He is a God who keeps His word and upholds His honor. (Leviticus 26:14-20,23-24,31)

Do we desire spiritual fruitfulness? Do we live to give robust offerings and glad praise that fills the sanctuary? Do we want to bear God’s graces and love around us and make an eternal difference? The Lord ordains the land of our days for varied yield and fullness.

Where do we see rottenness or anemic growth? How are our character and countenance and affections developing? What stubbornness or pride is hindering an upright walk in obedience? Would we confess and put it away today in order to enjoy the blessings of all God’s seasons? God’s presence in us delights to make new. (Leviticus 26:40-42)

Lord, help me rejoice in every season, faithfully walking in Your truth and promises rain or shine, trusting Your good and exalting Your glory.