Making Peace with the Clouds...

Nehamiah reminds us that God led the Israelites through the wilderness with a cloudy pillar by day and a pillar of fire by night (Neh 9:12). As I reflect on this, I realize that God leads us also in this way. Perhaps this manner that He leads us is often times what trips us up. Not to say that it's God's fault and that He should reexamine the way He leads us, but that we need to seek to understand who God is and how He operates. And, even more, to learn to trust and be patient in the wilderness. For though it may seem drab, dry, boring, uneventful and even confusing, God is working. He is using this time to prepare the way for us -- to grow us, if we will let Him.

The Israelites grew weary of following this cloudy pillar, day after day -- they grew anxious and frustrated and began to question God. They began to demand more and suggest that maybe this was all just a joke. They were no longer satisfied with the Manna sent from heaven (the food of Angels by the way!), no, they wanted meat! Can you relate? I can. It is often at this point we tend to turn back and seek satisfaction in the world.. for there we can find immediate gratification. But, this proves only temporary, and before we know it, we are looking for something new to gratify us. And, this goes on and on until we are back to the beginning, humbled and ready to, once again, follow God... under the cloud... through the wilderness.

It has been my experience that when I'm at the crossroads in life and feel pressed to make a decision, God seems silent. I'm looking for the burning bush where I suddenly hear His voice and where the direction to take is clear, but more often then not, His voice is heard through the clouds-one baby step at a time. The problem then, is not that God is willfully withholding His guidance in my life, but that I want it when I want it--or when I think I need it. I'm impatient. Yet God operates in His timing, not ours. He gently leads us, step-by-step, with a cloudy pillar. I find this frustrating at times because I am human and I want to see the whole big picture--I want to know the how, when, where and why's of it all. Yet, I can't see the big picture through the clouds, at least not at the moment.

I can't see the blue skies on a cloudy day, yet I know they are there. Just get on a plane and climb the altitudes and you'll see this to be true! But, after many days under cloud cover, it is easy to forget there is a blue sky. This is where I have to trust God and believe ..."that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose". (Romans 8:28)

If we become discontent and feel that God is not moving quickly enough, we tend to make decisions that are not in line with His will for our lives. These always end up as major setbacks in fulfilling our purpose. We think we know best, but we don't. I'll end with this ... "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6.

Though troubled waters lurk all around, my spirit yet rejoices in the joy to be found; Protected by the light of God, no troubled waters can overcome. Written by: Marlo

Inspired by Proverbs 11:25 - "The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself."

What this means to me? That when we give selflessly and seek the good of others, no matter what may dwell among us, our lives will be peaceful and abundant; this being not from outward prosperity, but yet from the depth of love and hope within--also known as God's love shining deep within.

A new year... a new day ... every day

Am I really blogging? I really don't have time for this, but I got to thinking how much I have come to understand the depths of another person just by reading their blogs. Each blog from an individual contains the ups and downs and thoughts and perspective of the individual for that particular day -- over a period of blogs, one can really piece together the life of another. To me that is fascinating!

I'm big into writing in my journal, when I can find the time. And, I realized that's what blogging is all about, well at least to me. It's who I am, what I'm thinking, what I want others to know, or to think about -- and who knows who might read something on it that happens to be just the piece they needed to fill in the jigsaw puzzle of their own life! So rather than keeping my thoughts bottled up in little journal books on the shelf in my room collecting dust and only accessible through my eyes, maybe I'll give this blogging a try! Well, there may still be some thoughts that will be reserved for the good ol paper and pen entries, just so I don't forget how to write with a pen.

Happy Blogging ~ thought for the day.... If your angry because someone is not living up to your standards and expectations, rather than living in strife with that person, why not just recognize that God has not brought them through the process in life yet where they are able to meet your expectations -- assuming your expectations are justified that is! Maybe step back, take your hands off the wheel, and give God the space to work in this persons life just like He did in yours. Accept that that person is where he/she is in life, and no amount of your anger will help him or her move to a new level. Faith ~ Hope ~ Love -- the greatest of these is Love.