The Driving Rain

A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops. Prov. 28:3

In the previous blog, I presented a kind of ruler who would keep order in his kingdom. He would rule with wisdom and compassion. Ultimately, Christ is our perfect ruler, and hopefully, we are rulers (however imperfect) over our souls, under His generous care.

In today’s verse, a greedy, heartless leader, who is only hungry for more power, is said to be like a downpour that washes away the livelihood of his subjects. The rain, in this scenario, isn’t a blessing to the good earth but a devastation to the crops (the sustenance of the poor). The leader has no sympathy or mercy for the people of his kingdom.

Floods can sometimes wipe out the necessities of our lives just like an unjust ruler can wipe out and neglect the emotional, spiritual and physical needs of the poorest in the land. A good leader would never abandon his people, just as normal rains would never wipe out a crop. Rainwater is meant to grow things not tear them down.

Again, look at Christ, who is the ‘Living’ Water that gives eternal life to all who accept it; not a devastating flood, but an invitation to an abundant life in Him. His rule includes the care for the poor.

Once again, we must also address the ruler with and over ourselves. When we oppress our own souls through foolish habits of addictions, out-of-control anger and selfishness, we are allowing a flood to wipe out what is nourishing and good for us.

Certainly, a driving rain is especially destructive (not nourishing or good) to crops (our livelihood). It also damages houses and erodes the soil. Sometimes spiritually, that driving rain is me. I seek my way or I pressure those around me to comply. I drive them hard until I win. ‘I’ can be the destructive driving rain with myself as the oppressive ruler. Yet, it is more wise to leave that life of oppressing others (in which ‘I’ am really the one who is held captive).

True followers of God have wisdom to free themselves in charity for those around them, not in tightfisted ways. Sin is what we fight against, not the people we encounter.

Yet, what about those who oppress us? Any oppressor strips people of who they are. When we allow others to oppress our souls by giving into a life of crippling anger and resentment, our souls (that are always upheld and nourished by God) and our capability to live and give of ourselves well are reduced. In a way, we are soul-damaged. Never give into another person’s oppressive ways. Lean on the Lord to uphold your cause.

People and trials can feel oppressive and destructive, but it is not always the trials that hurt us, it is how we react to them. Trust is our greatest friend in the hard times. Peace is its cousin. Love covers over all evil with such powerful results that the trials don’t seem as bad as when we dwell on rage and self-pity. All the fruit of the Spirit can apply to the right responses we give to our hardships.

Constant thoughts bombard our minds about the pain we encounter. Fighting our perceptions can be tough. Life can hurt. When oppressed in the poverty of our minds, bodies or spirits, we can yield to the Father who is our Keeper.

When the oppression comes from all different directions, see it as a distraction, a reason to pray for others, to get down on our knees and to serve.

We are all, in a sense, poor and needy, but wonderfully, we have a God who never leaves us and always provides. We thrive, knowing that He provides all that is good for us. He is a good King. Our greatest need is to follow His will.

Father, I yield to your provision. I’m never promised a life without oppression. But I am promised your presence and provision. You are my everything. I trust you. In Jesus name, Amen.