“That corn is going to be hip-high by the 4th of July!”
That is the statement my daughter made as we drove by the cornfield on our way to town this morning. And she is right, the corn is already knee-high. The rains a few weeks ago and now the high heat must be great growing weather for the corn.
The farmers rely on the benefits of the rain. Most do not have massive sprinkling systems to cover their crops. And even if they did, water from a well or water treatment plant will never be as perfect as the rain that falls from the heavens above.
There are a few reasons why rainwater is best (yes, I had to do a little research:).
1 – Rainwater is 100% soft water. It is free of salts, minerals, treatment chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
2 – Rainwater is slightly acidic. I don’t pretend to understand all the science stuff, but by God’s design rainwater is the exact ph range for anything that grows in the ground.
3 – Rainwater contains nitrates which are an important macronutrient for plants to thrive.
Isaiah 55 tells us that God’s word is just as irresistible and effective as the rain is for plants.
The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the fame and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
Isaiah 55:10-11 (NLT)
We need God’s Word, straight from the Bible, no substitutes. It is like using tap water on your plants, it keeps the plants alive and growing, but never flourishing. There are so many places to read about God’s word…social media, magazines, pamphlets, books, even this Bible Journal which we write every week. But there is no true replacement for God’s Word.
When we feel run down, burnt out, or just plain tired, we need to run to God’s Word for rejuvenation. Just like the rain brings a dry, brown, crinkly plant back to life. The Word gives us what we need to continue through our day.
Just like the plants and fields need rain from heaven, we need God’s word daily. If we go too many days without being in the Bible, we may feel dry and unfruitful. But all it takes is cracking that book open and reading a few verses. God’s word is alive and will reach into your heart if you let it.
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Hebrews 4:12