Ezekiel 37:4-5,6b – Then [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 on the small humidifier by my bedside the other evening, I thought about the prophet Ezekiel and the valley of dry bones that 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. I know that I can feel very dry, from time to time, 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 lasts only a few days; other times, it can last much longer.

In such times, I have learned to trust — to trust that God is aware of my situation and that He 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 some of us are living through a spiritually dry season and wondering what to do. If so, let's be of good cheer, for the refreshment to tide us over until our Sovereign Lord breathes new life into us 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.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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