HSBC Coffeebreak

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16

The first time I ever sang “Grace Like Rain” (by Todd Agnew) was at our church ladies retreat in the spring of 2004. I’ve never forgotten singing it that day, because the words changed my perspective on God’s grace.

I’m a former English teacher and song lyrics always interest me. The lines of the song I love most are “Hallelujah; Grace like rain falls down on me/ Hallelujah; all my stains are washed away…” I remember being intrigued with the comparison of grace to rain. Grace, something I enjoy, with rain, something I do not. My normal response to being in the rain is to duck my head. I tense up everywhere and try to get out of it as fast as I can, being hit by the fewest raindrops that I can.

As I sang the song, I realized that God doesn’t want me to “run through” His grace like I usually do rain. What if I would begin seeing rain as what it is to creation – refreshing, renewing and cleansing? What if I slowed down in the rain, lifted my face up to the heavens, opened my arms wide and let the rain truly wash over me. I realized that if I would view rain in this way, I would experience God’s grace for what it truly is – refreshing, renewing and cleansing.

Before, I knew that God’s grace forgave me. Now, I see grace as a gift that does so much more. God desires to make me clean and I long to slow down and enjoy the beauty of Him doing so when I ask. Everytime I sing that song, I cannot help but look toward the heavens. I want that rain to hit me square on my face. I want to feel new each time I go to the throne and humbly ask for forgiveness.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me as a sinner and for the awesome gift of grace you have given me through Jesus Christ. Help me to begin to understand the extent of your gift…help me to allow it to wash over my entire life, removing the shame and guilt…may it make me a new creation each time.

Written by
Holly Hauskins

Press the play button to hear the song: