Nehemiah 8:10 “… for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
It was the last day of my annual getaway to study and write. Although rain had been forecast all week, surprisingly, every morning proved to be filled with sunshine. This was welcome news, since my morning walks of prayer set the stage for the rest of the day. But not this day.
I looked out the window and saw the steadily falling rain. Oh no! I won’t be able to walk. I felt a bit discouraged but rather than give in to what seemed inevitable, I thought, Nope! This rain is not going to defeat me! I bundled up in rain gear and set out on my two-mile walk with God. Water flooded my sneakers but joy flooded my heart as I began belting out the lyrics to “Singin’ in the Rain” with a slight alteration—”Walkin’ in the Rain!”
A small incident, but it made me think of how prone I am to give up when my original plans don’t pan out. Following the path of least resistance, however, rarely satisfies. And it robs us of joy. I think the Lord wants us to learn how to sing in the rain. To persevere, no matter what the obstacles, like Nehemiah.
Nehemiah had secured permission from the Babylonian king to return to Judah and direct the rebuilding of the broken-down, burned-out walls surrounding Jerusalem. With heavy reliance on God, Nehemiah gathered the people and they began the work. Though ridiculed and mocked by the neighboring officials, Nehemiah inspired the people to keep working. When ridicule turned into life-threatening intimidation, Nehemiah posted guards and inspired the people to keep working. When internal injustices surfaced among the people, Nehemiah addressed the issue and inspired the people to keep working. No matter how much the opposition rained down intimidation and deception, Nehemiah taught the people keep working, to keep singing in the rain.
And when the wall was completed in 52 days, mission accomplished, they were able to sing in the sunshine.
Let’s not forfeit the joy God has waiting for us when we persevere. Whether it be a slight drizzle or monsoon, let’s learn how to keep singin’ in the rain.