You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance. They drop on the pastures of the wilderness, and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered with grain; they shout for joy, they also sing. (Psalm 65:11)
It is obvious that God uses His Creation to teach and to correct us. We can learn many things about the Creator and His ways by observing His creation and how it works. For example, rain is emblematic of the blessing that comes from heaven, which in turn, causes the earth and all that pertains to it, to flourish with life and blessing. On the other hand, without the blessing from above, the earth suffers, and in time, all those who inhabit the earth will suffer as well. There are those times when the rain is not a blessing but is actually a consequence of man’s disobedience as it was in Noah’s day. In short, the situation on the ground can be, and often is, a reflection of man’s spiritual condition.
Since David focuses on the blessing that comes with the rain, we will as well but in this respect — as an allegory. In other words, just as the potential for life and growth lies within the earth, and yet, relies upon the rain from heaven, the potential for spiritual growth and prosperity that is within all of us requires the blessing and inspiration of God in order to be manifest. God infused all people with talents, gifts and characteristics that, without His Presence in our lives, cannot be fully attained. In short, no one is skilled enough to be what we are created to be without His blessing. The richest soil on earth is useless if God withholds the rain; in time it will be reduced to barrenness and become a wasteland. And so it is with us.
On the other hand, when we allow our hardened hearts to be broken up and tilled by the Hand of God, thus allowing His Word to be sown into our lives, though we may have been fallow, His Spirit can cause abundant fruit to spring forth. All the potential that had been locked up in our soul and mind can burst forth just like the spring grass. Physical, mental and spiritual growth — the growth that produces good and abundant fruit — is possible only when we are ready to receive what can only come from above. So, may our prayer and desire always be to love His paths, to be recipients of His goodness and to fulfill His purpose for our lives.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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