Streams in the Sahel

One of my favorite devotionals is Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles Cowman. This little book got me through some of the hardest, driest periods of my life.

The Sahel is a geographical area in Africa. It is the transitional zone between the Sahara Desert and the savanna region to the south. During the rainy season, the Sahel is home to grazing animals, shrubs, and grass. Recent droughts and inappropriate agricultural use have caused desertification--the fertile land is transformed into a desert.

God provides us with streams in our Sahels--the transitional, marginally fertile times of our lives. These streams might come in the form of good friends, inspiring books, a peaceful retreat, time for reflection, an opportunity for service, a creative outlet, or moments of grace. Drink deeply of these streams during the rainy season. Swim in them. Soak up the moisture through every pore while you can. Fend off the desertification of your soul.

“When the poor and needy search for water and there is none,
and their tongues are parched from thirst,
then I, the Lord, will answer them.
I, the God of Israel, will never abandon them.
I will open up rivers for them on the high plateaus.
I will give them fountains of water in the valleys.
I will fill the desert with pools of water.
Rivers fed by springs will flow across the parched ground.
I will plant trees in the barren desert—
cedar, acacia, myrtle, olive, cypress, fir, and pine.
I am doing this so all who see this miracle
will understand what it means—
that it is the Lord who has done this,
the Holy One of Israel who created it.” (Isaiah 41:18-20 NLT)