Rain or Shine

The sun was bright in the clear blue sky, and my good mood would have reached the clouds had there been any. It almost seemed a shame to grocery shop on such a pretty day, but company was coming and the cupboards were bare.

I wound my way around the market filling my cart until at last, I was through the checkout and on my way to enjoy the sunshine. But as the sliding doors opened, sheets of pouring water muddled my view. Darkness had taken over the sky where the bright sun had shone only a few minutes before.

I thought it best to wait out the storm inside, and I attempted to for several minutes. But the rain didn’t let up, and the umbrella I had in the car wasn’t much good to me inside the store. I needed to make a run for it. I took off like a jackrabbit, pushing my cart through rivers of rain. After I’d unloaded each of the disintegrating paper bags, I slid into the car, soaked to the bone.

Umbrellas are especially valuable on rainy days, but only when we have them with us. Yet who carries an umbrella with them on sunny days? Me! At least I do now.

Although I’m not always excited to see the rain, I am grateful for the storm’s reminder of my need for shelter. Psalm 91:1 says, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (NIV). Other translations refer to our being hidden in God’s strength. I love the image of us as little children, safely nestled under his arms. God’s presence, his giant umbrella of protection, is always there, rain or shine. We don’t always think to tuck under, but that opportunity is ever available to us.

Psalm 46:1–3 tells us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging” (NIV).

Refuge.

Strength.

Ever present.

When the skies of life open and we find ourselves drenched in concerns, we’re apt to look for God’s help. But what about when we’re experiencing only sprinkling annoyances or showers of traffic jams? Are we as quick to seek God on partly cloudy days?

A dear friend of mine communicates with God about all areas of her life and talks with him frequently. She summons his help with everything from finding a good parking spot to asking for the lines at airport security to move quickly if she’s short on time. I used to think it was ridiculous. Does God really care where we park or how long we wait in line? Over the years, I’ve discovered that, indeed, he does care about all the details of our lives.

Scripture says we’re to cast all our cares on him because he cares for us. If something matters to us, it matters to God. This isn’t to say he’s going to grant our every request, but there is no question that he cares. When we pray for small things and they turn out as we hoped, could it be a coincidence? Sure. I don’t know for certain that God is orchestrating my schedule to ensure I park where I want, but I do know he’s glad I ask.

My faithful friend taught me the value of routinely going to God with the details of my day. Just as in any relationship, the more I communicate with God, the more I think of him. Inviting him to shelter me in all aspects of my life is now second nature to me.

We deepen our connection with God when we involve him in the routine parts of our lives. Just as regular communication with friends builds our friendships, engaging God builds intimacy between us. Yet meaningful conversation isn’t always about asking for help. The practice of considering God throughout our days makes asking his advice more natural too. Some of my favorites, though seemingly routine, days are made better when I stop to inquire of God…

• Is there someone you’d like me to reach out to today?
• How can I encourage the overwhelmed mom I see at Target?
• What words does the hurried cashier need to hear from me?

When we ask him how he wants us to show his love, he’s quick to answer. While it can feel awkward at first to ask and even more awkward to follow through, nothing is more satisfying than partnering with God.

Whether your days are filled with rain, scattered with clouds, or bright with sunshine, I encourage you to keep your conversation with God going. He’ll be so glad you reached out, and you’ll be so grateful for the companionship and purpose he brings to your daily life.

Melinda Mattson will follow any sign that leads to the promise of vintage décor and repurposed treasures. As a wife and mom to two dear daughters, her home is filled with equal measures of sugar and spice. She loves kindness and Jesus and is glad they’re meant to come as a package deal. She aims to embrace both with equal fervor. Melinda blogs at www.melindamattson.com.

Photograph © David Marcu, used with permission