I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing – Ezekiel 34:26

Jerusalem has fallen. The people of God are hopelessly languishing in Babylonian exile. They’ve hung their harps. Their captors want to hear some of their songs (Ps. 137:1-4). But, how could they? Their energy is gone. Hope has slowly turned to despair. Where is the energy to pick up their harps? Where is the voice to sing? Where is the motivation to entertain? How can they sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land (4)? But, can they ever forget Jerusalem? Can they fail to make their holy city their highest joy (5-6)? Never!

What they need is a word of encouragement from their God. They could use a word of comfort from their One true God who has promised never to leave them nor forsake them (Deut. 31:8). And, true to His nature, He comes through for them, even in that faraway country – in their disobedience and exile. Through His prophet, Ezekiel, God gives them a glimpse of their blessed situation when He sends them back to Jerusalem.

“I will make [you] and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing” (Ezek. 34:26).

Isn’t that wonderful?

God is going to deliver His people from their captors and bring them back to their native Israel. That, they could be sure of; for He is the true and faithful God – the only God who never goes back on His word (Nu. 23:19). He promises to surround them with blessings, showers of blessing to refresh them – the autumn and spring rains to bless their sowing and reaping for abundance. And, when God says, “There shall be showers of blessing,” they could begin to rejoice, even before the rains come pouring to give life to their desolate land. God has decreed it from eternity, and it shall never fail. They only must wait for its manifestation.

This is your God, my reader. This is your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Need I remind you of His love, mercy, and grace? Do you have to be convinced of His faithfulness in your period of stress, pain, and suffering? Is Calvary not enough evidence to assure you of your deliverance? Did He not deliver you from your sin nature? So, what is this cloud of momentary affliction to Him? Are you not under His radar, twenty-four seven? Is He not still faithful? Can He deny Himself (2 Tim. 2:13).

It may take a little while, my friend; but He will come through for you. He knows the plans He has for you. They are “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” ((Jer. 29:11). Take His word, therefore, and continue in your humility before His throne of grace. He promises to hear your cry and bless you with mercy and grace to carry you through this difficult season also (Heb. 4:16).

So, may God pour His showers of blessing on you in abundance in your season of need; and may they be in the measure of His divine mercy and grace to satisfy, renew, and renew you in Christ Jesus, amen!