“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.“
“He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” – Jeremiah 17: 7-8
The roots of grapevines affect the taste of the wine. Some roots will remain in shallow ground using the water near the surface. These roots do not grow deep, and the end result is a fruit that doesn’t produce much depth of flavor. The best grape vines have roots that grow deep, and this happens particularly in times of drought. The roots stretch deep down into the ground looking for a water source and inevitably benefit from the mineral-rich soil deep underground. Experts say that stressed grapevines make fewer grapes, but they are far better quality for winemaking. In fact, in the years of drought, winemakers have produced some of the highest quality wines ever produced.
Father God, this is a drought of biblical proportions. It is incredibly hard, and I am so sad. I am also overflowing with gratitude, aware of the many blessings I have that others are not so fortunate enough to experience. But that gratitude, while plenty, does not negate that sad and the hard. I humbly ask that You redeem this moment. Holy Spirit, fall fresh on us. Renew our baptism. I ask for Your presence, we need it, we yearn for You. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection moved the Spirit of God from a building to a body. We are that body! Do not forget us, Father. Show us Your face, shine Your light in our lives. Heal our land. Heal our hearts. Bring revival. We are praying, Lord, hear Your people, and move on our behalf. Move on Your behalf! We believe in You. We trust in Your unfailing love; we rejoice in Your salvation. We will sing to the Lord, for He is good. Help us to trust in what You say more than what we feel. Give us a willing Spirit. By Your great mercies, O Lord, may our roots grow deeper. Even now, in the darkness of this night, let our lives be lit by Your coming glories. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Live well friends,
Christy