“He that [forms] the mountains, and [creates] the wind, and [declares] unto man what is His thought . . . The Lord, The God of hosts, is His name.”
Amos 4:13
In North America and other parts of the world, hurricanes or tornados accompanied by heavy rains are never welcome. But monsoons, which take place every year, are welcomed in parts of Africa, India, southern China and some islands above Australia.
What is a monsoon and why is it welcome? It is a very strong wind that blows regularly in definite seasons in those countries. It is caused by large differences in temperature between land and sea air. This difference occurs because land heats and cools faster than water. Cooler air always rushes in over warmer areas. This causes a wind. A summer monsoon is usually accompanied by rain. It is called a wet monsoon. A winter monsoon is called a dry monsoon.
Without the monsoons, these land areas would be too hot and dry for growing crops to support people, animals or birds. Planting crops would be useless, because there is no other water available for irrigation. So it is not difficult to see why the people in those areas welcome the monsoons with their great supply of rain. The people hold great celebrations right out in the heavy rain. Some go into their fields in the rain, plowing them up so the water will soak in.
During a monsoon the streets of many towns look more like rivers, stopping all traffic for many days. Some may try to get through on bicycles but usually find the water too deep and swift to pedal and have to push their bikes through.
Knowing just when the monsoon will come, wise farmers prepare the dry soil and plant seeds beforehand, and people do the same in some home gardens. When we think how hard they work, hoping for rain, it is not difficult to understand why they celebrate when it does arrive.
But there are many places where care needs to be taken. Airplanes can’t fly in a monsoon, and the ocean becomes so rough with huge waves that fishermen offshore head home quickly. Those big waves also crash against heavy walls built to protect property, and many fish are often washed over top, which the people collect later.
It is the Creator’s provision that sends the welcome rain each year, for without it the hot sunshine would dry everything up and there would be no local food. We hope many of the people of those lands have heard about the Lord Jesus and thank Him for His care over them. We know that many Christians do tell them about the true, living God who loves them. What a change from their stone or wooden idols which they worship fearfully. Do you know this living, loving God and His Son, Jesus, who died for you?
ML-11/05/2006