Clouds…

Clouds...8-4-25

I have mentioned in previous blogs about a dream that I've had since I was young. Sometime Saturday night, I had the dream again. My husband asked me Sunday morning, as we were drinking our coffee, why I thought the dream occurred. He had been awakened by my sound. I had just abruptly awakened, but didn't know why. As always, when I awake during the night, I pray. So not knowing why I awoke, I prayed.

You see, life is like the weather. Sometimes it is clear, smooth, with no signs of any clouds. There is no impending rain, hail, or storms. The wind is still. The sun shines, and we become complacent as day moves to day.

At other times, the winds begin to blow, the clouds move in, and the rain comes. Sometimes it is light sprinkles, sometimes heavy downpour with no lightning, thunder, or more severe weather. Occasionally, storms are so severe that they rock the foundation, threatening to tear apart the very framework under which we stand.

Psalm 107:29, "He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed."

Isaiah 25:4,"For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall".

For me, the greatest example of trusting God during a storm is told in Mark 4:35-41. The boat was being tossed, the wind was raging, yet Jesus slept. Sweet peace and faith. The disciples, however, had fear. They did not understand and woke Jesus with these words. “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

Oh, my friends, Jesus cares. He cares about you during the sunshine. He is not a fair-weather God. He is a God that commands the storms, holds us through each thunder clap and lightning bolt. In every downpour, He is our umbrella. We are under His wings. Every single raindrop is part of His plan. "And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm..." (vs 41)

I don't know what the change is bringing. I don't understand the meaning of the dream. I don't know the timing, the uncertainty, the feelings, or why there is a presence of clouds moving in. I see them. I do see the wind shift. But I know whom I believe in. "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9.