I rounded the curve along the row of hemlocks and pulled my hood over my head. The drizzle was changing to a cold rain. Clouds hung heavy in the menacing sky as, step-by-step, I made my trek along the dirt road. Pondering. Reflecting. Why were these menacing clouds stirring my spirit?
How can it be that the Creator of the universe knows my name and cares?
Frustration shrouded my thoughts because I had fallen asleep during my quiet time. Yes, I was worn out and needed rest. But my quiet time with Jesus is where I garner strength. I don’t want to ever take His love for granted.
I don’t ever want to lose the wonder of knowing the King of kings, and the Lord of lords.
It is a wonder, isn’t it?
How can it be that the Creator of the Universe knows my name and desires an intimate relationship with me?
How can it be that Almighty God loves me as my Abba Father — my Daddy God?
And how can it be that in His infinite mercy, He doesn’t condemn me for falling asleep while I prayed? I condemn me, but He doesn’t.
I imagine that, like when the disciples could not keep watch and pray for an hour in the Garden of Gethsemane, perhaps the Lord was disappointed that I gave way to sleep. But I believe that’s what love looks like. He wanted to spend time with me. He wanted to teach me from His Word.
I pulled my hood a little closer as the raindrops increased. Lifting my head, I scanned the horizon and there it was: a message of reassurance from the One I love right smack dab in the middle of my frustration.
The mountain peak in the distance was marbled with light and shadow as menacing clouds passed overhead. I stood still to watch. And think.
Even though the clouds were menacing, I didn’t feel threatened
In the distance above the mountain peak, the cloud deck was obvious. As it advanced across the mountain, sunlight popped in and out dancing around the shadows of the clouds hanging heavy in the troubled sky.
I considered the rolling, menacing clouds. Their intentional movement across the mountaintop. Tumbling. At times billowing. Steady movement in my direction. But, even though menacing, I didn’t feel threatened.
It seemed odd.
But then I remembered the goodness of the Lord. The prophet Nahum tells us that the clouds are the dust of His feet.*
Can you see it? Can you see the rolling clouds rippling towards me? And can you imagine that the Spirit of the Lord was coming swiftly upon the clouds in response to my need? They weren’t menacing clouds! These billowing beauties were evidence of a God who sees me and cares.
Amazing, isn’t it? Yes, it’s a metaphor. But I can cling to it. I cling because I know the Lord Himself responds to my need and I know that He created me to be a visual learner.
I see the clouds coming towards me leaving brilliant light in their wake.
And I know they are but the dust of His feet.
I took a deep breath, inhaling His love, basking in His Presence. And I thanked Him for being my God and for calling me His own.
The Spirit of God races through the heavens to get to us
Sweet friend, never, ever think you are so far from God that He would not race through the heavens to get to you. He pursues us with His love. He guards us fiercely with His might and power.
And He brings His marvelous light into our darkest moments.
Selah
*Nahum 1:3
***************************************
Thank you so much for stopping by. I would love for you to share what’s on your heart in the comments below. Scroll a little farther down and you’ll see where you can leave your comments. Together, we can find the nearness of God in our darkest moments.
Sweet blessings to you,
