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Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions

March 23 THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING Daniel W. Whittle, 1840–1901 I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. (Ezekiel 34:26) How disheartening it is to see a once fertile field that has been rendered hardened and useless by a drought. Land that was intended to produce a rich harvest for its owner lies barren and lifeless. As Christians, God desires that our lives bear much fruit for Him. But the soil of our hearts must be right if we want the seeds of righteousness to grow. The parable of the sower in Matthew 13 teaches that it is possible to have four different kinds of soil in our lives: An unconcerned soil, a shallow soil, a polluted soil, and a good soil—one that responds and produces a bountiful harvest. At times many Christians feel as though they are in a spiritual drought. God seems removed. Spiritual activities are just routine business. Prayer and Bible reading become monotonous. Christian friends seem critical and irritating. We feel that life is really a valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1–4). Then we cry out to God for a fresh outpouring of His grace, not just drops of mercy but showers of blessing. And soon the answer comes—perhaps in the form of a Scripture passage, a sermon, a song, an encouraging remark, a new insight. Our souls revive and we are once again able to “raise a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:18). “There Will Be Showers of Blessing” was the product of one of the outstanding gospel duos of the past century, Major Daniel Whittle, the evangelist, and musician James McGranahan. Together these two traveled extensively for a number of years in a very successful evangelism ministry. They also collaborated on a number of popular gospel songs still widely used today. This hymn first appeared in Gospel Hymns No. 4, 1883. “There shall be showers of blessing”—this is the promise of love; there shall be seasons refreshing, sent from the Savior above. “There shall be showers of blessing”—precious reviving again; over the hills and the valleys sound of abundance of rain. “There shall be showers of blessing”—send them upon us, O Lord; grant to us now a refreshing; come and now honor Thy Word. “There shall be showers of blessing”—O that today they might fall, now as to God we’re confessing, now as on Jesus we call! Chorus: Showers of blessing, showers of blessing we need; mercy drops round us are falling, but for the showers we plead. For Today: Genesis 12:3; Deuteronomy 7:13; Psalm 72:6; 1 Peter 1:3 If perhaps you should feel “spiritually dry,” first reflect on the condition of the soil of your heart. Then claim God’s promise for “showers of blessing.” Sing as you go Kenneth W. Osbeck, Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Kregel Publications, 1990). 94.

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