Sound of Abundance of Rain
The people behind the words.
The song Showers of Blessing was written by Daniel Webster Whittle, who lost his right arm during the Civil War and became a prisoner of war. During his hospital stay, he became a Christian. You can read more of his life here.
Ezekiel
Ezekiel was a priest whose mission was to give warning to the Children of Israel. The book of Ezekiel is not an easy read, for there is much sin, idolatry, killing, and destruction throughout the book.
Yet for their sins, God provides Redemption. He promises blessings when people obey and follow Him. Every time I read through Ezekiel and come to 34:26, I think of the song Showers of Blessing.
And I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing, and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing.
Elijah and the sound of abundance of rain
Elijah was a prophet who faced difficult times fulfilling God’s calling on his life. One of my favorite stories of Elijah takes place on Mount Carmel.
After three years of famine in Israel, Elijah met with prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. There, false prophets prayed, danced, and cut themselves with knives, calling on Baal to hear them. Finally, Elijah rebuilt the altar and had his servants pour water on the altar and in the trenches. When he prayed, fire flashed down from Heaven. Just like that.
That’s when Elijah told King Ahab, “Get up and eat. For there is a sound of abundance of rain.” God does things abundantly. Never forget that!
Elijah sent his servant to look for rain seven times before the smallest cloud appeared in the sky. Yet God had promised, and Elijah believed. The sky darkened; the rain came; and the drought was ended!
Hosea, a different abundance of rain
Hosea was a prophet commanded by God to marry Gomer, an adulterous woman. Hosea’s life proclaims redemption. In Hosea 10:12, he proclaims:
Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
The blessings of abundance of rain
Rain replenishes the earth; it provides good soil for growth. Rain washes, cleanses, renews, refreshes, and restores. The sound of rain should cause us to praise God. It symbolizes His care and His abundance.
The Children of Israel lived in captivity; the promise of showers of rain gave depth to the fact that God was still watching and caring for them. After three years of no rain, the sound of abundance of rain announced that the drought was over. Hosea, the forgiving husband, symbolized the Bridegroom and His church – extending grace and mercy.
So it is with our Father. He showers us with grace, with mercy, and with abundance. Let the sound of abundance of rain give you reason to thank God – and rejoice!
The Lyrics:
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING
There shall be showers of blessing: This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing, Sent from the Savior above.
CHORUS
Showers of blessing, Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy drops round us are falling, But for the showers we plead.
There shall be showers of blessing, Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys, Sound of abundance of rain.
There shall be showers of blessing; Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing, Come, and now honor Thy Word.
There shall be showers of blessing: Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing, Now as on Jesus we call!
Lyrics: Daniel Webster Whittle (Nov. 22, 1840 – Mar. 4, 1901)
Music: James McGranahan (July 4, 1840 – July 9, 1907)
To hear this song by various musicians, click on the links below.
Immanuel, Jeni Chella Victal, Jasmine Chella Zion
Photo credits: Pixabay.
