Why is rain so wonderful to fall asleep to? I vividly recall the rains of Africa settling upon our home’s tin roof. I recall how easily I would drift into the most tranquil sleep. All sounds were masked so that my peace was not disturbed. But when needed, the same pitter-patter ambient sound could help me maintain focus.

In Noah’s day “the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5, ESV). It was then that God introduced rain to the world. It was designed to completely remove our focus from evil thereby allowing us to return to worshiping God.

As a focal point of His promise and presence, God placed the ever-beautiful rainbow in the sky (Gen.9:13). And as a continued reminder, He gave us His will to focus and meditate on. “May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb” (Deuteronomy 32:2, ESV).

Father God, as I listen to the R.A.I.N. falling from the sky I draw near to your Throne.

• I Recognize your awesome presence;
• I Acknowledge and accept your control over my life;
• I Investigate my dependence on you as a child holding onto a parent in a rainstorm;
• I become Nothing – ceasing to exist outside your awesome presence.

Abba, Father … none of me, all of Thee – in Jesus name, Amen.