Christ Be My Rain
E.A. Johnston passionately calls believers to seek Christ as the refreshing and sustaining rain in seasons of spiritual dryness and hardship.
In 'Christ Be My Rain,' E.A. Johnston delivers a heartfelt devotional message addressing the spiritual dryness many believers face. Through vivid imagery and earnest prayer, Johnston encourages listeners to seek Christ as their source of renewal and hope. The sermon offers comfort and inspiration for enduring difficult seasons with faith and expectation of God's refreshing presence.
Full Transcript
It's been a dry time, Lord, dry for a long, long time, As cracks in the desert floor, so my face is lined from Worry, agony, and strain, O Christ, be my rain. I've been abandoned, forgotten, and forsaken by friends, Solitary nights and dark, lonely days remain, O Christ, be my rain. This has been a drought, Lord, that won't go away, Scarceness and hunger, never having enough, never making a gain, O Christ, be my rain.
This prison has iron bars, Lord, too big for me to break, I hear the distant whistle of that long, elusive train, O Christ, be my rain. The seasons come, and then they end, but this dry season Lingers on and on, like a lingering pain, O Christ, be my rain. This tired servant prays and waits, and hopes for better days, For when Jesus of Nazareth passes by, things are never the same, O Christ, be my rain.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Reality of Spiritual Dryness
- Experiencing long seasons of dryness and struggle
- Feelings of abandonment and loneliness
- The impact of spiritual drought on the soul
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II. The Cry for Christ’s Refreshing
- Recognizing Christ as the source of living water
- Praying earnestly for renewal and sustenance
- Trusting in Jesus to break through spiritual barrenness
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III. Waiting with Hope and Expectation
- Enduring trials with faith in God’s timing
- Anticipating Jesus’ transformative presence
- Holding on to hope despite prolonged hardship
Key Quotes
“It's been a dry time, Lord, dry for a long, long time, As cracks in the desert floor, so my face is lined from Worry, agony, and strain, O Christ, be my rain.” — E.A. Johnston
“This tired servant prays and waits, and hopes for better days, For when Jesus of Nazareth passes by, things are never the same, O Christ, be my rain.” — E.A. Johnston
“The seasons come, and then they end, but this dry season Lingers on and on, like a lingering pain, O Christ, be my rain.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Recognize and honestly admit your spiritual dryness to God in prayer.
- Seek Christ daily as the source of living water and renewal.
- Hold on to hope and trust God’s timing during prolonged seasons of hardship.