The talk on the news lately has indicated the country is facing a drought. Parts are already in a “severe” mode but all are experiencing dryness.

My mind goes back to the mounds of snow piled higher than a tall man which were seen everywhere for months. I remember the explanation as being much of the winter precipitation melted and fed rivers and reservoirs quite nicely but were not retained by the surface.

“Drought” as defined by dictionary.com is “a period of dry weather, an especially long one that is injurious; a prolonged shortage.”

Life can bring times when we feel as if we are in a drought. Our days experience a lack of comfort, laughter, company, encouragement or hope. The only thing in abundance seems to be worries, fears, or hopelessness.

What do we do when drought hits our lives? That is the question on my table this morning and I want to share what I know to be true.

Our souls need to be watered every day. They will become parched and hardened if left to navigate these days on their own. Don’t do it. Keep on opening His Word – every day, throughout the day, as often as is needed – in order to get a word which springs out, delivering what is needed in the moment.

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11, NIV)

He sends His Word, the verses for us to hold onto, which infuse our souls with strength, hope, peace and determination. Both the rain and God’s Word are intended to impact the lives of those on earth.  Neither God’s Word nor His promises are impotent or empty. He will make good on all He has spoken.

This is then the result ….

“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace.” (Isaiah 55:12, NIV)

His joy and peace fill us so we are able to navigate the day. Others will take note we have been with Jesus. When we respond to Him, something happens in our lives – we have hope because of who our God is – He is God, Almighty, Holy and powerful.

Something happens in the desert and in our lives ….

“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.” (Isaiah 35:1, NIV)

In the middle of the dryness, of the hopelessness, something bursts – it breaks wide open. Hope springs to life. Joy comes ….

“A joyless life is not a Christian life, for joy is one constant in the recipe for Christian living.” (William Barclay)

Joy – the one constant in our lives. It does not depend on circumstances. It does not depend on people. It depends on the One Person, God, whose very presence in our lives brings joy.

Right now we are in the season of spring. Trees are budding, flowers are opening, the grass is turning green.

Get outside.

Look at what is blossoming.

May it remind you that our God is victorious.

The desert truly does bloom!

Today I am joining … Thought Provoking Thursday and Everyday Jesus .