It was a cloudy pillar that led the Israelites through the wilderness. There was a cloud that came down on Mt. Sinai when God spoke with his people . When God came and visited the tabernacle, the glory came in a cloud and filled the space. At the transfiguration a cloud came and enveloped those that were on the mount. Moreover, it is in the clouds that Jesus will return. All of these were a sign of God’s divine Presence.
Clouds and Storms
In today’s vernacular clouds seem to be the harbinger of storms or dark places in our lives. We forget that it is in the cloud that God comes with his Presence. At the transfiguration, it is true that Peter, James and John were all terrified. Yet in their fright they heard the voice of God.
“…and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Hear ye him.”
Matthew 17:5
God reminded them of who Jesus was. He wanted them to be prepared for the upcoming storm in their life. Preparation for life’s storms is found within our understanding of who Jesus is. It is then that we will be ready to ‘hear him.’
In the dark of our storm we must keep our heart tuned to hear Jesus’ voice. Moreover, we must sit with Jesus and learn of him until we know his heart. In so doing, we will know what kingdom living looks like. We then will walk in confident obedience, in spite of appearances.
Clouded Thinking
I am reminded of C.S. Lewis’ timeless story of Narnia. It was in the book, The Silver Chair, that we find Aslan calling Jill and Eustace into Narnia. He has a mission for them. Aslan gives instructions to Jill about the mission, she and Eustace were to accomplish. He told her that “…whatever strange things may happen. Take great care that it does not confuse your mind. And the signs which you have learned here will not look at all as you expect them to look, when you meet them there. That is why it is so important to know them by heart and pay no attention to appearances.”
Jill and Eustace ran into many problems that clouded their thinking. They didn’t keep Aslan’s instructions foremost in their mind. Because of this, they forgot what they knew. Consequently, they let their situation govern their actions instead of letting the truth guide their endeavors.
How many times do we find ourselves acting as Jill and Eustace did? Yes, we know the truth, but then we enter the clouds and let confusion take over and begin letting our situations rule our behavior. However, it is in the clouds we must remember who Jesus is and remind ourselves of the truth we know in spite of appearances.
Clouds of Life
It was just last week I was reminded again how God interacts with us individually. He personally gives us grace enough for our situations no matter how clouded our vision becomes. In the clouds you can find God to be faithful and true. It is our part to keep focused on God and his Word. Let the clouds in your life be a reminder of God’s Presence. Draw near, and hear what He has to say. You can trust that Jesus will walk with you in the clouds of your life.
“And Jesus came and touched them, and said, ‘Arise, and be not afraid.’”
Matthew 17:7
It was on the mount, in their fearful state that Jesus came and touched Peter, James and John. Whatever clouds of fear you are facing, Jesus will come. I know this to be true. He has done it for me. Trust his heart. Lean close and hear him whisper, “Have no fear. I am near.”
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