In evangelical churches when I was growing up, a favorite hymn was “Showers of Blessing”, written by Daniel Whittle and first published in 1883. He was greatly influenced by D.L. Moody’s ministry and became an evangelist. The song was the signature tune and name of a weekly radio broadcast (1945-86) of the second denomination I joined, and I was the radio secretary for our state, sending out printed copies of the sermon and answering listener’s letters.
The chorus goes…
Mercy drops round us are falling, But for the showers we plead.
And the third verse says…
Send them upon us O Lord.
Grant to us now a refreshing
Come, and now honor Thy Word.
The song is presumed to be based upon Ezekiel 34:26, a prophecy given to Israel, “And I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing, and I will send down the showers in their season; there shall be showers of blessing.” The problem is that I’m not living in Ezekiel but in Acts 29 (still being written), and in the current administration of God’s grace He tells me that I am “blessed… in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3). Can you see the challenge?
God will honor His word to Israel, but His word to me is that I’m already blessed! So why sing a song that contradicts what God says about New Testament Christians? “Pick a verse and write a song” is still a favorite method with today’s praise and worship groups, regardless of whether it fits with who we are and what we have in Christ.
In one hymnal I found an attempt by an unnamed author to bring the song into present-day reality…
Sent by the Father of love,
Now is the time of expressing
Bountiful gifts from above.
Chorus: Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessings in store;
Windows of heaven are open,
Showers of blessings outpour.
Bountiful measure fulfilling,
Pouring upon us, O Lord!
Now are the showers of blessings,
Promises made by Thy Word.
Now that’s more like it! — Peter Wade.
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