Responding to Drought

“When the heaven is shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against you …” (2 Chronicles 6:26)

In seasons of drought, we are slow to acknowledge the possibility of a loving hand of discipline behind it.

In his dedication of the temple, Solomon anticipated that because of Israel’s sin, God would shut up the heavens (2 Chronicles 6:36). Though God had fallen on the temple in a cloud of glory, Solomon knew that a pillar of cloud didn’t guarantee perfection (2 Chronicles 5:13-14; Exodus 13:21). Long ago, Israel fashioned a calf out of gold plundered from Egypt (Exodus 32:4). The human heart is quick to turn, even when the temple resides so close.

But Solomon had seen through his father’s life how one can honor the hand that afflicts (1 Chronicles 21:26). He gives us the pattern of response in his prayer:

… if they pray toward this place …” (2 Chronicles 6:26)

When we suspect that God could be holding back rain, we are tempted to hide in shame. But it is in “praying toward” the Lord that we begin to learn from the discipline. 

If God disciplined in rage, we would have reason to run in the drought. But the “Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives” (Hebrews 12:6). 

A drought is never a sign of anger for God’s children. But it could be an indication that God is getting our attention.

“… and acknowledge your name …” (2 Chronicles 6:26) 

It is humbling to acknowledge the Lord in a drought. We would rather find ways to fix it ourselves—or chalk it up to forces beyond the Father. It takes the deepest form of trust to face God when life takes a difficult turn and open our hearts to his correction.

“ … and turn from their sin when you afflict them, then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel, when you teach them the good way in which they should walk, and grant rain upon your land, which you have given to your people as an inheritance.” (2 Chronicles 6:26-27)

When the Lord sends us into a drought, he wants us to come out different when the rain falls (cf. Hebrews 12:11).

It’s easy to forget the lessons of thirst once we’ve had our fill. But we must harvest the lessons of the dry season.

What is “the good way” that God has taught you to walk?

God always brings you through the “thirsty ground” to “humble you and test you, to do you good in the end” (Deuteronomy 8:15-16).