Drought

Drought can last for months or years. It has led to mass migrations, and has contributed to the collapse of advanced societies like the Maya and Anasazi.

Deforestation, excess irrigation, over-farming, and soil erosion can all impair the capacity of land to capture and retain water. The effect is to decrease crop production, eventually resulting in famine. During the drought of the 1930s, the rich topsoil of the Great Plains dried out and blew away. Immense dust storms reached as far as the East Coast. Hundreds of thousands left their homes behind to try elsewhere.

These were the conditions Joseph foretold Pharaoh (Gen. 41: 29-30); the conditions under which Joseph’s brothers went down to Egypt to purchase grain (Gen. 42: 3), and the Israelites relocated to Egypt (Gen. 47: 11).

Despite his many ordeals, Joseph had this to say to the brothers, who sold him into slavery:

“ ‘…[D]o not…be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life…[a]nd…to preserve a posterity for you in the earth…So now it was not you who sent me here, but God…’ ” (Gen. 45: 5, 7-8).

What an amazing insight! What a generous spirit! When we are confronted by drought – long stretches when God seems distant and our efforts bear no visible fruit – let us remember Joseph, and strive to be like him. Then let us turn to Him from whom all blessings flow.

“I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for You like a thirsty land” (Ps. 143: 6).

Lord God, in Your sight none of us is righteous, except through the blood of Your Son, Jesus. Still we hunger for righteousness. We yearn for You.

Lead us in Your paths, Lord. When we stumble or feel we cannot go on, fill us once more with Your Spirit. When the enemy appears triumphant, revive us again.

Quench our thirst as only You can.

Amen

READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse  http://www.avoicereclaimed.com