Clouds Without Rain

For Friday, September 7, 2007
Proverbs 25:14

Like clouds and wind without rain
is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.

The day is hot, as it has been for weeks. There has been no rain. A breeze picks up; you look into the sky and see clouds coming, dark clouds. Finally, rain is on the way. The clouds are now overhead; already it feels cooler and you can smell the moisture. But the clouds pass on, the sun returns, and your hopes are dashed. So is the feeling when someone makes a promise that he does not keep. It would be better to make no promises.

What kind of cloud are you? When you say that you will provide help to someone, do you follow through? When you promise to make an event, can you be depended upon to keep your word? When you boast of what you can give or do, are you boasting of what you really have or capable of doing?

What will you be today? Will you bring rain to a thirsty soul? Will you say the kind word needed? Will you bring a gift that lifts a sad spirit? Will you be the rain cloud that the Lord sends which does bring the needed rain, or will you pass over leaving hopes unrealized?

We all have our different gifts. Some can give more than others. But if we promise only what we do have, and if we carry through on our promise, then we can all be the refreshing rain that our neighbors need.