Ezekiel 37: 4-5;6b “(The Lord said to Ezekiel) Prophesy to these bones and say to them, Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life….Then you will know that I am the LORD.” NIV

In the winter our home gets very dry. Heating with wood adds to this problem. We therefore have a number of humidifiers around the place. Humidifiers blow moist air into the room which helps to prevent dry, scratchy throats, itchy skin and static electric shocks.

As I turned the small one on by my bedside the other evening I thought about the prophet Ezekiel and the valley of dry bones God had placed him in; a valley of dry bones which God brought back to life.

How totally amazing I mused. I wonder how Ezekiel dealt with that shock. And that was when it dawned on me that God often does a similar thing in our lives as his children. From time to time I know I can feel very dry as a Christian. I lack vision and purpose, enthusiasm, and joy. I don’t feel like doing anything, in fact the term dry bones would fit my mood well. Sometimes this dry season only lasts a few days, other times it can last much longer.

Amidst such times I have learned to trust; to trust that God is aware of my situation and will in his time and way breathe new life back into me. Vision, purpose, enthusiasm, and joy will once more abound. Until such time however refreshment amidst the season of dry bones can always be found as I drink from his word each day, worship with his people each week and be thankful in prayer for his everlasting love and plan for my life.

Today, perhaps you are living through a spiritually dry season, and wondering what to do. If so be of good cheer for refreshment to tide you over until our Sovereign LORD breathes new life into you is as close as God’s word, God’s people and the power of positive prayer.

Prayer: Lord God thank you so much that amidst the dry seasons of our lives you are able to bring us the refreshment of your presence each day as we take time to drink from your word, enjoy the fellowship of your people and engage in the power of prayer. Thank you that dry seasons offer us opportunity to trust more deeply in you, your everlasting love and your wonderful plan for our lives. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Lynne Phipps
Atlin, B.C. lynnephipps@hotmail.com