It may be that we are all acquainted with the meaning (if not the literal statement) of the old saying: “Into every life, a little rain must fall.”  We may not like it, but we must realize that troubles tend to make their presence known to any and all of us.  Rank or status in society offers little to no protection.  With such a reality we are left with a choice.  Do we surrender as if paralyzed, or do we seek with hope and optimistic faith.  Reality reminds us that we cannot completely avoid disrupting troubles.  So, we are left to consider how we will manage our lives when those troubles are making their presence so determinedly known.

Consider how we each look at our invasive troubles.  My dear deceased friend and predecessor just might have shared the best answer for us.  He was fond of saying, “Look for the good.” Yes, it is a simple statement, but admittedly, it packs a challenging punch.  All too often, when troubles strike, we find it hard to believe that there is something good ahead of us, much less being able to imagine it.  You know what I mean.  When we are “enjoying” wallowing in our miseries the last thing we want to consider is that there might be one of those “silver linings” to be found.  Seriously, when we are confronted with troubles, it is a lot like being stuck in “rush hour” traffic.  It is hard to see beyond the taillights of the cars in front of you.

Jesus challenged listeners to see beyond the “rain”, the difficulties in life.  His Jewish nation was tired of oppression being brought by outside forces, and even some from within.  Jesus offered the gleaming light of hope.  It was not some psychological mumbo jumbo that He offered.  It was not a magic wand.  What He offered was simply an individual and personal recognition of God’s blessings.  Jesus assured them that the blessings were available to each of them.  His message brought multitudes of people to come and listen.  They were anxious, and justifiably so.  They longed for a leader who would be their savior.  They wanted to hope beyond the “rain”.

As they gathered on the hillside that day, the multitudes heard what they did not expect.  The message of Jesus began with a series of conditioned promises (Matthew 5:3-12).  Martin Luther referred to that series as “The Beatitudes”.  They were impressive to the initial audience.  They are still seen as beautiful, lyrical, and maybe even poetic. 

Through the centuries that list of blessings has been studied, translated, defined and explained in a multitude of ways.  Without exception, there is a conclusion of magnificence.  Still, each of us is left to wonder about our own individual and personal application.

Take time to consider the descriptive statements of Jesus, and the states of life involved.   Each is a tough challenge to face in life.  Whether it is a poverty of spirit, a hunger for righteous living, enduring persecution, or any of the other states described, there is a connection to God’s blessings.  If there is a catch, it is that recognition of the opportunity is required.  Note, it’s not really much of a catch.  So, turning back to the challenge of my old friend, there remains the importance of looking to find the good in any person or situation.

For sure, there are circumstances that raise the trouble to a level that may seem to be overwhelming.  For example, how do we respond to the most personally difficult news we may face?  I am reminded of my grandmother.  After a few tests about the discomforts she faced each day, my aged grandmother received her terminal news.  The doctor stated that she had advanced pancreatic cancer.  There would be no cure.  Cancer would be taking her life very soon.  Two of her daughters were with her for the news, and each daughter burst into tears.  My grandmother considered the nearly 94 years of her life.  She turned to her daughters and calmly said, “Don’t cry.  I was wondering what would take me out of this world.”  She found a sense of relief.  Then she set herself to live in whatever time she still had.  About a month later she was gone, but the legacy of her life wasn’t.  It still isn’t.

Every circumstance of our lives has its own unique characteristics, problems, and blessings.  There is not a “one size fits all” remedy, as if there is a wave of a wand or a genie to grant a wish.  At the same time, there is a consistent opportunity to find the blessing; no matter how large or small it may seem to be.  My wife and I have shared a thought we find comforting during those most stressful and challenging situations of life.  Our reminder is: “We don’t know what the Lord has right around the corner.”  And every time we have rounded one of those corners, the Lord has had something good waiting for us.

Jesus didn’t say it would always be easy to recognize the blessing, or that it would always be what you would have it imagined it would be.  Still, it is there.  So, as the old song reminds us: When those heavy April showers come our way, remember to look for the May flowers.

So, when it rains, let it rain, and then let’s look for the good.

Russell L. Dyer

10/24/2024