This morning, I will be sharing something I wrote a few years back. The Lord brought this to my attention, and it struck a chord in my heart. I trust it will for you too.
For years I have had a wonderful fascination with clouds. I’m not sure when it began or why, but I know I have taken hundreds, if not thousands, of photos with nothing but clouds.
When we left the Big Sky Country of Montana and moved back to Arizona eleven years ago, I was concerned that I wouldn’t have a view where I could enjoy the clouds. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered the path of my morning walk took me to wide open space with an unrestricted view of the sky.
Then when we moved from Rio Rico to Queen Valley our porch faces the mountain and again I have an unobstructed view of the desert landscape and sky.
I didn’t have that while we were in Florida last week. Yes, the full sky view was gorgeous while we were at the beach but that was only momentary. So, coming home and seeing the big, beautiful, fluffy white clouds was a welcoming site. It was also a vivid reminder of the Father’s hand of protection.
“21 The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. 22 And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people.” Exodus 13:21-22 NLT
When the Israelites left Egypt, the Bible tells us the Lord guided them with a cloud by day and fire by night. This cloud shaded them from the scorching sun and the fire pillar kept them warm at night. The cloud also rested between them and their pursuers when they crossed the Red Sea.
Protection and direction.
My thoughts center on that when I see a cloud of this magnitude. I’m captured by the greatness of our God who promises to be our shield and our defense. I don’t like cloudless skies.
The Bible tells us about another cloud – a cloud we should all be looking for.
“16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.” I Thessalonians 4:16-18 NLT
When the Lord returns to gather the believers and take them to heaven, He will come in the clouds! Dave used to tease me and tell me that I would probably be photographing clouds on the day of the Lord’s return. I really can’t imagine anything more wonderful!
As I stare at those cloud-filled skies my heart is at peace, I am comforted by a sense of my Father’s presence. “Where are you leading me today, Lord? I don’t want to miss out on anything you have planned for me.”
My God is the Lord Almighty and He leads me on a right path.