Cleanse

Rain reminds me of renewal which leads me to the term cleanse. In many instances this word restores that which was lost and offers hope and a new start. Cleansing brings healing, confession brings redemption. All of these I know but suddenly in the midst of a rain storm they become so much clearer. The benefits of rain can be seen all around us: blossoming flowers, green grass, and clean water. With rain however comes storms. Powerful displays of the process of redemption. We are not simply cleansed or redeemed to gain a benefit, but rather we are cleansed through storms to draw us closer to Christ. We are being broken down so that He can raise us up for His glory, you see after the storm we are not the same. We must leave something behind and constantly seek His face. This process much like rain draws us to confess our failings and causes the love and abundant Grace of God alone to fall on us and cleanse our hearts.