Living Between the Rains

God’s promise after the flood was attached to seasons.

“While the earth remains,

Seedtime and harvest,

Cold and heat,

Winter and summer,

And day and night

Shall not cease.”

—Genesis 8:22

Humanity lives in a circle of dependable seasons. It is autumn, and there are things to do before the frost is on the pumpkin. Bake cakes for others, give out homemade jam, and invite people for coffee or tea while chatting about the local goings-on. Where winters are cold, this is a good time to gather before ice and snow make visiting more difficult.

Israel lived by the seasons, too. Planting and harvesting depended on the early and latter rains. In that rhythm of dependence, God called His people to love and obey Him, trusting Him to provide.

“I will give you the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil.” Deut: 11:14

In the Mediterranean region, the autumn rains softened the dry ground for planting. The spring rains helped the grain mature before harvest. Between those rains came the waiting—and the ordinary work of tending what had been planted.

No matter where you live or when you harvest, seasons change, but God’s promises do not.

October teaches me to remember the earth has been here before. The ground has been dry before. Seed has disappeared beneath the soil before. Generations have stood in fields waiting for clouds to gather and God has provided in His time. I believe I will bake a cake in honor of His faithfulness.

Prayer,

Heavenly Father,

We live between the rains. Thank You for the returning seasons.  When the ground seems dry and waiting grows long, help us trust Your faithfulness. Keep us attentive to our neighbors, ready to share what You have provided. In Jesus’ name, Amen.