Hope When the Clouds Roll In

Then Solomon spoke: “The Lord said He would dwell in the dark cloud.” – 1 Kings 8:12 NKJV

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There are times in life when the proverbial “kick me” sign is taped firmly to our backs.

Day after day, we wander around with the weight of our troubles plastered squarely between our

shoulder blades. We lament and sigh with each breath, wanting life to be better. But what started
out as some ironic idea of a joke, has turned into a real burden we just can’t shake.

 

Often we think, if I could just get out from under this cloud my marriage, my life, or my
happiness would be so much better!

 

I remember the day my husband and I left our home state of New York for the southern charm and sweet
tea of Georgia. As we crossed over the New York-Pennsylvania border towing the remnants of our home,
I looked up towards the heavens and saw a solid line of gray clouds stretched out behind us, and
nothing but blue expanse ahead. Oh, how I hoped it would be a long time before I saw clouds again!

 

But clouds always manage to return. And when they do, we want to hunker down and wait them out, as
if they’re to be endured. Dark clouds hold for us a vision of sadness, discouragement, and a good
dose of idleness. Somehow, our energy is always sapped dry when clouds roll in.

 

It took me a long time to realize it, but I think it’s important to remember one other fact about
clouds.

 

God dwells in them.

 

From Genesis to Revelation, we read that he has met, and will meet his people in the presence of clouds.

 

What we see as objects of gloom, God uses as instruments for his magnificence.

 

“By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way.” (Exodus 13:21)

 

“There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides across the heavens to help you and on the
clouds in his majesty.” (Deuteronomy 33:26)

 

“Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced, with hailstones and bolts of lightning.”
(Psalm 18:12)

 

Though we know, “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5), doesn’t mean he
won’t meet us in the blackness. It means he can’t be consumed by it like we can.

 

And that’s a comforting thought.

 

So the next time the clouds roll in for you, and you turn inward searching for relief, stop, and
know the Son always shines behind the clouds.

 

How do you feel when it’s cloudy out? Do you ever picture God in the midst of your clouds?