The outlook this morning was of a grey, cold, damp, mist rolling in off the sea. In the distance you could hear the sound of the foghorn. Where was the late spring sunshine? There was no inspiration from the sea views today! This reminded me of an old hymn, God has not promised skies always blue! By mid-morning, however, everything had changed. The mist had blown away to reveal the blue skies and sunshine that had been there all along – hidden by the low cloud.
Skies Always Blue?
God has not promised skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through. God has not promised sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God has promised strength for the day, Rest for the labour, light for the way, Grace for the trials, help from above, Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
Annie Johnson Flint
Childhood Memories
I learnt this ‘poem’ as a child. Now that sounds very worthy, but I have a confession to make, I learnt it because I was ‘bored’ sitting in Chapel. We went to Chapel on a Sunday morning, in the days when children were expected to sit quietly through the service. Sunday School was at a separate time! One Sunday the sermon seemed to be particularly long and difficult to understand. My Mum, though, had these two verses on a bookmark in her Bible. In an effort to entertain myself I started memorizing the words, I know, I was a strange child! That little ‘poem’ is powerful, though, and has stayed with me through some of the darkest and most difficult times of my life. God has not promised that we will always see blue skies, but he has promised that He will provide the strength that we need, when we need it.
When Low Cloud Hides the Blue Skies
There are times when our problems seem too big, and the weight of worry is too heavy. Emotions which can so easily overwhelm us, we may feel, as if our heart is breaking. In those times of unsettling fear God calls us to put our trust in Him. He is our refuge and strength. Doubt and fear may close in, and we can struggle to see and feel God’s presence. However, it does not change the fact, He is there. God’s word declares that He is our ever-present help in times of trouble. In the same way that we know when the cloud rolls in, the blue skies are still there, even when they are obscured from sight.
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid.”
Psalm 56:3-4
In those fearful times we learn, that with God, we need not fear. And in those dark stormy times we learn, that with God, we can find peace in the height of the storm.
It is only when the cloud closes in that we learn, that with God, there is always enough light for the next step.
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As we move forward, with just enough light for that next step of faith, we learn to put our trust in God. In that place of trust, we find we need not be afraid. With help from above, the cloud will roll away and the sun will shine again!
That ist exactly what I needed to hear today! Thank you so much for these reminders and encouragement.
Thanks Hadassah – sometimes we are encouraged as we look back and remember God’s faithfulness.
I love the picture of the two skies on top of one another. One cloudy and drizzly. The other sunshine and clear. Life us so like this.
Thanks Theresa, yes the contrast of the two pictures, I hadn’t really considered that!
I haven’t heard that song/poem in a long time! But it’s a good reminder. I was just thinking this morning of the disciples’ request that Jesus increase their faith, and I thought, that meas being put in more situations that require faith. Someone we want it to just happen, but it doesn’t work like that.
Exactly – we want to arrive at the destination without having to make the journey….Thanks for the feedback.
What a beautifully hope-filled post.
Thank you!
The sun had been there all along, only hidden! May God give us faith to wait till the cloud passes! Thanks for this encouragement. Many blessings to you!
Absolutely, yes trust in waiting! Thank you for your feedback.
You were a wise young woman to commit those words to memory!
And thanks for sharing them here–I will be humming all day.
Thanks! Hum away…… 🙂 In God nothing is ever wasted – songs and scriptures that we learn as children will stay with us forever.
“Just enough light for the next step.” I love this–in part because God showed me just what that means when my family unexpectedly found ourselves out on the trail long after dark. I wanted that light to my path to be enough to light up a city strip, but God gave me just enough light for the next step. I love his profound lessons from creation. Visiting from Kelly’s place. I’m happy to meet you!
Thanks Natalie – yes I love the way that God speaks out of the beauty of His creation!
Great reminder! I went to Israel several years ago and watched a severe dust storm roll in from the Sahara Desert. It was surreal to look into Jerusalem and see the entire city partially hidden by a cloud of dust. It was as if it were reflecting our own moments of spiritual blindness.
What an amazing memory! I do love those reminders from nature – appreciate the feedback, thanks.
I always need this reminder: “It is only in those fearful times that we learn, that with God, we need not fear.” Thanks, Sharon!
I don’t think I’ve heard that poem – but what a good one! Isn’t it amazing how we can recall such things from years ago…but can’t remember what was on our grocery list?!? I love your photo…what a cozy morning outing!
Yes exactly 🙂 Thank you for stopping by!
We’re used to clear skies in the Virgin Islands, but this week we’ve been sitting under a thick plume of Sahara dust. It has been rather unsettling, but I’m reminded that God is still in control and He knows the way. This post was a great confirmation and encouragement for me.
I love how God speaks the same message to us in totally different parts of the world – amazing God! Thank you for your comments 🙂
Hi Thanks Lauren for the link-up!
Like!! Really appreciate you sharing this blog post.Really thank you! Keep writing.