Shiny clouds...

Clouds are an interesting phenomenon.  They can obscure or they can enhance, they can be thick or thin, they can be threatening or bring blessed relief. No matter what they look like, they are a universal experience.

Although we tend to immediately think of the sky upon hearing the word cloud, there are many more types of clouds in the world.  We can have "clouds" of mosquitoes in the summer time.  We can have clouds of dust rising up from a gravel road on a dry day.  We refer to storm clouds brewing as a metaphor for trouble between two parties.

In the Bible, clouds are mentioned in another way.  In Hebrews 12:1 we read:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us...." 

When we join with other believers, we form an impenetrable object, a cloud of righteousness, that can not be defeated.

I think there are many ways that clouds can be used to exemplify our lives and our faith.

1. Hiding:  Sometimes we hide from the world behind our faith, just as the landscape can be hidden from view by the clouds beneath an aircraft flying high.  God is our refuge and our shield in hard times, ever present and ever willing to provide respite from the difficulties we face on a daily basis.
2. Shading:  Sometimes we use our faith as a shield from the burning heat of the secular world, which is shining brightly to draw our attention away from God.  We are in this world, but do not have to partake of the worldly attitudes.  God is there to shield us, if we allow him to protect our faith.
3. Obscuring:  Sometimes we see our faith from a distance, shrouded in the clouds as a mountain is enveloped, preventing us from seeing the tip of the peak.  God accepts the questioning of the faithful believer, and knows our limitations.  He used his flawed and questioning servants over and over in the Bible as an example to give us guidance through the hard times in life.  If David, Moses, and Jonah could be used despite their questioning and outright refusal to cooperate, how much more can God use us, if we are willing to follow where His path takes us?
4. Threatening/Saving:  Sometimes clouds bring death and devastation; at other times, they bring refreshing rain to a parched earth.  Sometimes the same storm will bring both life and death.  The journey of a Christian was never guaranteed to be an easy one.  There are many storms in the life of any human being, and no one will escape from that.  But we also have a holy umbrella in the form of a God that promises to be there with us at all times.  The end result will be a life refreshed and renewed, even after the storms have passed away.

Lack of clouds, day after day, exposes the earth to the harshness of a sun without mercy, just as a life without cloudy moments exposes us to the harshness of the secular world, with it's temptations and assault on our morals and values.  Clouds can bring blessed relief in a tough moment.  That cloud of witnesses with whom we should surround ourselves will bring us relief and comfort - respite from walking through the difficult journey through the Christian life on our own.

Although we may question what God wants from us, the clouds will eventually give way to sunshine and relief, if we follow the path he has set out for us.  In a dark and dangerous world, there is no other light we need.  That is our silver lining.  It will enrich us beyond all earthly understanding if we have faith that God is in control, even of the clouds.