Years ago, when my husband was on active duty in the military, we lived in Southern California. One of the benefits of living in the area was endless sunshine. Initially, the sun’s rays and balmy breezes were quite remarkable. But over time, nothing but blue skies was all I would see.
The forecast was pleasantly predictable. Driving out of my garage, reaching for my sunglasses was a reflex.
But on the off chance of clouds gathering, my mood changed. I watched as tree branches bowed down to bossy winds and beating rain. As stormy weather replaced sunny days, I’d scramble to make the adjustment.
Sometimes life feels like my southern California experience. When days unfold at a likable pace, it’s easy to reflect on God’s goodness and embrace my routine. But if there’s a sudden shift toward the unwanted, I miss those blue skies. If you’re missing what was pleasant and predictable in your life you know what I mean.
However, with God, the disruption to what is predictable makes room for divine discoveries.
Christ’s disciples must have felt that way. Just a week before His crucifixion, the crowd shouted “Hosanna” as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. I imagine the weather was pleasant. Gentle breezes must have blown as the crowd waved palm branches and celebrated the King of Kings. (see Matthew 21:1-11)
But what a difference a day makes or in this case a week. As the Suffering Savior died on the Cross for our sins, the sun refused to shine.
“By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle.” (Luke 23:45 NLT)
Clouds gathered as Christ paid for our redemption. The scene serves as a reminder. During the darkest times in our lives God is still at work.
In the depth of our grief or longings, something deeper can settle in us. We can hold onto hope and know the sun will shine again. The glory of God will be revealed.
Because of Jesus, we are invited to go beyond the veil (or curtain) to experience Him more fully. We can see God in ways we’d never know, if there was nothing but blue skies. Seeing Him as Healer, Deliverer, Comforter or Provider are a cloudy day’s invitation to intimacy with God.
Perhaps life feels lighter than it was a year ago. Maybe we are in the middle of making major adjustments. But Christ resurrection assures us there is always more in the grace of God.
Surrender to His will can become the spiritual reflex to seeing what is truly predictable — God is faithful. His promises are sure. He never fails.
“Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.” (Psalm 36:5 NLT)
God can always move beyond our circumstances. But He also wants to move within our hearts.
I still have my favorite kind of weather, but my southern California days are behind me. We live on the east coast now. Whether the day is cloudy or clear, I know God is with me. He’s with you too my friend. Through faith in Christ, we are secured under His grace. And that is the bluest sky of all.
Joy A. Williams is a writer and speaker who is amazed her first name became her life’s mission. She is passionate about sharing God’s grace and His ability to deposit joy into even the most desolate soul. A licensed minister with a teaching heart, Joy serves on the women’s ministry leadership team at her church. Her years as a military spouse inspired her book Friendship MAPS. On her blog, she encourages sincere and sidetracked truth seekers with hope for the heart and joy to the soul. You can connect with her at joyawilliams.com, where you can subscribe and receive a free PDF of “5 Ways to Keep Your Joy (or Find It) Whatever Happens.” She enjoys living life with her husband Brady and their teenage son. Follow Joy on Twitter @joytothesoul, Pinterest @joy2thesoul, Instagram @joy.to.the.soul or like her page on Facebook @joytothesoul.
Read Joy’s articles HERE.
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