Sound of Abundance

1 Kings 18:41
Then Elijah said to Ahab, "Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain." NKJV

Elijah said these words in faith. there had been no rain for three years. Everything was dry. Crops had failed. People were starving. God had sealed up the heavens because of the people’s sin in serving Baal who they believed controlled the rain. This had culminated in a great showdown. The God of Elijah and the prophets of Baal met on Mt. Carmel. The challenge was given and met mightily in spite of overwhelming odds. Now it was time for the drought to be stopped. There were no clouds in the sky, no moisture in the breeze, no sound of thunder or spark of lightening. Yet, Elijah knew that God would send the rain showing that the Creator of the universe not only had the power to withhold rain, but to give it.

Can you hear the sound of heaven
Like the sound of many waters?
It’s the sound of worship coming from the throne.
There are cries of celebration
As men from every nation
Raise their voice to make His glory known.

(Holy Are You, Lord)

Invisible Rain

2 Kings 3:15-18
Then it happened, when the musician played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him. And he said, "Thus says the LORD: 'Make this valley full of ditches.' For thus says the LORD: 'You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your cattle, and your animals may drink.' And this is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD; He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. NKJV

Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, Jehoram, the king of Israel, and the king of Edom had joined together to battle the Moabites. They found themselves in a desert with no water for themselves or their animals. Fearing defeat, Jehoshaphat called for the prophet Elisha and asked him to inquire of the Lord on their behalf. Elisha sent for a musician to come and play. As he played, the Spirit of the Lord came and spoke to Elisha.

Specific instructions were given. They had to act in faith and labor, digging ditches or canals throughout the valley. Even then, they saw no rain. There was no outward appearance of any change, yet the next morning, the ditches they had dug filled with water to quench their thirst, and when the sun came up and shined on the water, God used the reflection in the water to trick the Moabites and bring them to defeat.

Like a desert my soul thirsts for You.
Let the healing waters flow.
I am broken at Your feet O Lord;
Father, take everything in me.

(All That I Am, Josh Aoki)

Remedy for Drought

1 Kings 8:35-36
"When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against You, when they pray toward this place and confess Your name, and turn from their sin because You afflict them, then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel, that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk; and send rain on Your land which You have given to Your people as an inheritance. NKJV

This is a part of Solomon’s prayer of dedication for the magnificent temple he had built. He stood before the people with hands spread up toward heaven praising and glorifying God for what He had provided for His people. However, a part of Solomon’s prayer included provision for failure. He knew the people would falter and sin, and even turn away from the Lord. So he also prayed that God would draw them back. That’s where this verse comes in.

Sometimes we grow weary, our lives get wrapped up in the muck of this world. We slip away, and God has to get our attention. But if we will confess our sin and turn back to Him, He will again send His rain on our land.

Lord, light a fire again, I feel new life begin.
I will stand and testify;
Lord, new strength abounds in me,
Revival set me free. I am brand new.

You have called me to Your table.
You have called me by name;
You know the hunger within my heart,
I don’t want to be the same.

(You Have Called Me)