Issue 1249 – Above the Clouds – September 14, 2023
One of the fantastic sights when we lived in Clearwater was the view from above the clouds. The river valleys would sock in hard during winter with fog and clouds. You didn’t have to drive far up the mountainsides to be in the sunshine and above the clouds.
Doing so often changed my perspective on life. Going from dense fog to sunshine, cloud to clarity, has that effect. I never failed to marvel at the difference in attitude that a few feet in altitude can make.
Life can be like those fog-bound winter mornings. Things can seem challenging, dull or unclear. It is hard to stay motivated and not give in to the pressures of whatever is oppressing us at the moment. We can forget that the sun still shines just above the cloud, not quite visible to us in the moment.
Kong David knew the struggle. Much of his life was spent in conflict or danger. Often times it was self-created, but at times the threats were not his fault. He knew the battle against tension and depression.
As a long-term sufferer of chronic clinical depression, I know that battle well. Unlike David, no one is trying to kill me, and I don’t have a royal crown to lose, but the world’s weight can sometimes seem oppressively heavy.
I appreciate the Psalms because of their honesty. You can hear David’s pain and struggle, but he trusted in God despite it. He knew that just beyond the clouds, slightly out of view, God was in control, and he could trust in that truth.
Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God.
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day. Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me.
There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.
Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them. But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness
Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant. Show me a sign of your favour, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me. Psalm 86
Life comes complete with dark, foggy, closed in season and bright sunny days. Each of us may have more of one than the other, but on all days, like the sun, God continues to be there and remains in charge.
Whatever you face today, you can cry out to and trust God. He will never fail you. There is no guarantee that He will change your circumstances, but he can carry you through them and bring you to peace and glory.
Praise His faithful name.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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