- Singing in the Rain –

[Shadrach]

1 Peter 4:12, 13, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy””
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No, the title to this devotional isn’t about the 1952 comedy musical film starring Gene Kelly, Debbi Reynolds, Donald O'Connor, and Jean Hagen. However, it is about a godly woman who had suffered for several months with a lingering illness. One day while her pastor was visiting, she said, “I have such a lovely robin that sings outside my window. In the early mornings, as I lie here, he serenades me.” With a smile that radiated a deep joy within her weakened body, she added, “I love him because he sings in the rain.” My brethren this trait of the robin, singing when the storm has silenced other songbirds, should be evidenced in a similar way by every child of God who has accepted His Son as Savior. I think I hear the song in the apostle Paul’s heart as he writes concerning his ministry, “… as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things” (2 Corinthians 6:9, 10). Anyone can sing in the sunshine; however, those who know the Savior can experience joy in the darkness because their confidence is in God’s goodness and power. The psalmist displayed this when his heart was overwhelmed with trouble. He wrote, “So I will sing praise to Your name forever” (Psalm 61:8).
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Further thoughts:

If you have been saved for any length of time it sometimes seems as if God allows circumstances to come into our lives that are harming us and are without sense or plan. However, we may be quite sure that these trials of rain are intended to bring us closer to himself, to encourage us to set our minds “on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). So, when the rains come and the sun doesn’t shine, we still have plenty of reasons to rejoice and praise of Heavenly Father, because we are forgiven, we have the hope of heaven, and more importantly we have Jesus Christ. We should all learn a valuable a lesson from the robin.

No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that refuge clinging,
Since Christ is Lord of Heaven and earth,
How can I keep from singing – Lowry
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If sorrow makes us shed tears, faith in the promises of God makes us dry them

[miepie]

From the song "Bring the rain" from Mercy Me:

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain

There are lots of times, like yesterday evening, when I cry because my pains are so high....... but the thought of leaving Daddy never crosses my mind........ so this song of Mercy Me says it all.........

Love you lots,
Mieke

[FfireAZ]

It's so true that many of us can sing and praise in the good times but yet when the storms and the bad come we quickly forget who we serve and what he has done for us