Glimpses of Truth

Storm Clouds May Gather

Often we go through periods when clouds gather for a few days.  It seems as though the sun just can’t shine for two or three days in a row.  But remember, it is God Who sends both the sunshine and the rain.  We can thank Him for both, learn to enjoy them and thus begin to understand His plans for us.

Sometimes we may shun the cloudy days.  We must not, however, for in Exodus 19:9 God said, “Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud.”

As believers we can often learn more in times of darkness and trial than in the pleasant sunlight of prosperity.  Most of the important lessons I’ve learned in my life came when it seemed that God was hidden in a thick cloud.  He knows how to get our attention.  We all know that it’s easier to find gloom and distress among those thick clouds than it is to find hope and to enjoy the treasures of His grace.  That is when we only look on the surface.  It may be easier to lose hope than to learn the lessons He brings us in those gloomy days.  That is, if we only look to the world’s answers.  But we must never forget, even when we feel utterly forsaken, that God is near and never forsakes us.

Oh yes, He’s always near.  Beyond the blackness of our most severe trial, God’s special blessing awaits us.  I like what Isaiah 45:3 has to say:  “And I will give thee the treasures of darkness.”  God’s great love and understanding will allow us to see Him for Who He is.

An unknown poet, thinking of troubles that sweep over us like raging storms, has written:  “Hast thou a cloud?/  A trial that is terrible to see?/  A black temptation threatening thee?/  A loss of some dear loved one long thine own?/  A mist, a veiling, bringing the unknown?/  A mystery unsolvable, it seems?/  A cloud between thee and the sun’s bright beams?/  God cometh in that cloud!”

Well, do you have a cloud?  Look for God, He’s there!  How about a trial that’s terrible?  God has lessons for us to learn.  Have any temptations?  Join the crowd!  Remember, God is our strength!  Possibly you may have lost a loved one or dear friend, and the way may seem dark and uncertain.  God’s Word fills our hearts with strength for the journey.

The unknown?  There’s a lot of that on our part, but not on His, and that’s what counts, because He’s in control!  Oh, yes, those seemingly unsolvable problems in His hands become victories.

Well, do you have that cloud of one kind or another that seems to be blocking the bright beams of happiness and joy and peace?  Be still!  God cometh in that cloud!